Secondary Numeracy
It's about Understanding, Representation and Problem Strings
Building Powerful Numeracy
“…when we help students construct numerical relationships, they begin to believe that mathematics is understandable, that it is not all about memorizing abstract , counterintuitive rules, but instead an arena in which they can reason and use their intuitive sense.” Pam Harris, pg xiii
Understanding Numeracy
Think about this situation...You are out at a rather nice restaurant for lunch with 11 friends. The check comes and the 12 of you decide to split the bill evenly. The bill is $249. You do a quick mental estimate of a 15% tip, add it on, and round up to $300. Now, how would you do the division to figure out how much each person owes?
Do you perform the standard algorithm? Or, do you play with the numbers?
Some critical components of numeracy
Flexibility and Efficiency
Students need to be able to look at numbers in a problem and consider more than one way to solve. Students need to experience different strategies and problem types so they will know which kinds of problems lend themselves to which strategies...not just the operation.
Accuracy and Speed
Accuracy is important, but it is not the only part of numeracy that matters...the emphasis should be on the relationships of the numbers. As teachers we are fast using the algorithms, but using the strategies presented both speed and a greater understanding of the math involved will occur.
Algorithms and Mental Math
Algorithms have a place in numeracy, but if algorithms are the only computation strategy, then the "digit approach" may inadvertently affect students' progress in higher math. Mental math does not mean doing it all in your head, but implies that you are using your head to reason.
The Importance of Representation...focus on relationships instead of procedures
Open Number Line
Constant difference.
Problem Strings
Problems selected with a purpose.
Ratio Table
A way to model complex division.
Building Number Sense in the Secondary Classroom
CHOICES Castleberry ISD
August 21, 2013
Email: sanfordj@castleberryisd.net
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Twitter: @JSanford_Math
Content on this flyer came from Building Powerful Numeracy for Middle and High School Students by Pam Harris