While discussing statistics, particularly the three basic measures of central tendency with some teachers recently I got the ubiquitous quick definitions of “most” for mode, “middle” for median, and “average” for mean. Upon probing with questions further the teachers soon began to realize that in our want to make things “easier” for our students we often allow too much leniency with the language … [Read more...]
Make an inch!
Measurement is a topic that many students often struggle with largely in part because measurement is experiential. Students must have opportunities to build landmarks about measurements. Reading a ruler, measuring with a ruler, and understanding fractions are all connected and work together very well in helping give fractions a context while offering students an opportunity to build a deeper … [Read more...]
Mathematical Literacy – new e-book
Do trade books have a place in today’s mathematics classroom? Yes! Incorporating literature into the mathematics classroom at any level can increase student engagement, can make the mathematics being studied come alive for the student as well as have meaning, and can help to differentiate instruction as well as support ELL/ESL students. Using literature helps students build a conceptual … [Read more...]
Five Words Every Educator Should Think About BEFORE They Plan Their Instruction
As educators, our planning must be INTENTIONAL and DELIBERATE so our instruction will be IMPACTFUL, CONSISTENT, and EFFECTIVE! Educators today are faced with a variety of challenges. Classrooms are more diverse. Demands for students' success is at an all-time high. Time is at a premium. For educators, this is a balancing act. Teachers need resources to support the learning needs of students … [Read more...]
Opportunities for Questioning: Moving Both the Learner and the Learning Forward
Leslie and I just returned from NCTM Las Vegas where we presented a K-5 gallery workshop entitled: It’s All in the Process: Strategies for Addressing Reasoning—Elementary. We shared an NRich task – Magic Vs” as well as one that I created and have used with students at all levels – Farmer Jones. We had a lot of positive feedback from the participants for which we are grateful. One … [Read more...]
Door to Common Core Math by Leslie Texas and Tammy Jones
Editor’s note: Leslie Texas and Tammy Jones are co-authors of the book series, Strategies for Common Core Mathematics: Implementing the Standards for Mathematical Practice, available from Routledge in three editions, K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Middle school math teachers have a challenge—they need to help students become mathematical thinkers who truly understand concepts … [Read more...]
Is a picture worth a thousand words?
"A picture is worth a thousand words" is a saying that translates into the idea that a complex idea or thought can be conveyed with a simple picture. Take for example the picture below. … [Read more...]
Assesments
Assessment is an ongoing process. Effective teachers are constantly using formative assessment to diagnose problems and plan for future learning. Formative assessment should be for the learner as well as the teacher. This involves observing, note taking, and communication while the students are involved in mathematical problem solving and investigations. This informal tool allows the teachers … [Read more...]
Technology
Technology, strategically integrated at the point of instruction as a tool of investigation that allows students to understand mathematics that may otherwise be beyond them, is a powerful tool in the mathematics classroom. What comes to mind when you think of technology use in a mathematics classroom? Did you think of a calculator? Most people do, but what is “technology” really? Technology can … [Read more...]
Numeracy
The (US) National Center for Education Statistics, in its 1993 Report of the National Adult Literacy Survey, defines quantitative literacy as: The knowledge and skills required to apply arithmetic operations, either alone or sequentially, using numbers embedded in printed material (e.g., balancing a checkbook, completing an order form). – National Center for Education Statistics The UK's … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- Next Page »