Praxis II Updates

The new exam is numbered 5161, and is slightly different from the older one. It is computer based and uses an  graphing calculator simulator. You can find more details under the Resources page on this blog.

Some thoughts on the Praxis II exam

Much of the mathematics you have learned so far have involved applying algorithms and formulas in a prescribed set of steps. Even word problems that you have encountered are most likely modeled after a set of examples which can be easily followed.  In the Praxis II exam, however, the skills you have learned will be applied in a very unstructured way. This means you will have to know all your algebra and calculus, and selected  higher level math topics, but it will not be immediately apparent which particular algorithm or formula you need to apply. 

Mathematicians look at problems that are open-ended. The problems may be simple or difficult.  Cultivating open-ended problem solving skills is a key step to successfully preparing for the Praxis II exam.  I’ll be sharing problems and ideas in this blog  which focus on those skills.