Teaching Math with Comprehension Strategies By Erica Wetzel

Teaching Math with Comprehension Strategies By: Erica Wetzel

Teaching Math has to Change SKILL AND DRILL PRACTICE MATH COMPREHENSION STRATEGIES

Does teaching math using skill and drill hurt students? Yes, however many teachers were not taught the real math concepts, instead they were taught by skill, therefore they do not fully understand the concepts needed to teach them. Yes, because drill does not develop meaning. Repetition does not lead to understanding. Yes, if teachers continue to use skill and drill, as well as rote memorization with no connections to other mathematical concepts, our students will grow up with limited mathematical understanding.

Teaching Math in America Compared to Other Countries Teachers in America do not regularly use cognitive thinking when applying and teaching mathematical concepts. In high scoring countries teachers use active questioning and dialogue to help students see and understand the connections among mathematical concepts. Teachers in countries that do well in math assign their students challenging mathematics problems, therefore they do not look for easy questions for their students, unlike American teachers. Throughout the United States teachers tend to focus on low-level skills and rarely address mathematical relationships.

What are the Best Practices in Teaching Math ? �We, as educators, can no longer teach math the way we were taught using skill and drill and rote memorization. �Research has shown students need the opportunity to discover, analyze, and make connections when learning about mathematical concepts.

Research Based Curriculum The Common Core Standards are designed based on what research has proven most effective. The kindergarten class this year is the first class to no longer be taught under the Indiana State Standards. We must begin to analyze how our math instruction will change to prepare our students for the National Common Core Standards.

What are some practical ways to combine mathematical concepts, including questioning, with comprehension? • • Use the mathematical language in your classroom as often as possible. Incorporate visuals that reinforce the math vocabulary concepts. Model thinking like a mathematician aloud. Have high expectations regarding what the students are to do.

Give students the opportunity to develop these concepts WITH PARTNERS INDEPENDENTLY

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