Math Specialist Update
What's Happening in Your Math Classroom?
Common Core Mathematical Practices
On Monday, November 12 we presented on the first mathematical practice: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. In this mathematical practice we ask students to develop a "puzzler's disposition". A satisfying puzzle is one that you don't know how to solve at first, but can eventually figure it out. It is important to build our students' perseverance by giving them opportunities to tackle problems that they have not been taught explicitly how to solve, as long as they have adequate background to figure out how to make progress. Comparing challenging problems to similar but simpler problems is one way to promote this mathematical practice.
Questions to Develop Mathematical Thinking
- How would you describe the problem in your own words?
- How would describe what you are trying to find?
- What do you notice about . .
- What information is given in the problem?
- Describe what you have already tried. What might you change?
- Talk me through the steps you've used to this point.
- What steps in the process are you most confident about?
- How might you use one of your previous problems to help you begin?
- How might talking to _________ help you?
- How is __________ strategy like yours? How is it different?
I have some handouts left from when we presented. Let me know if you would like a copy. We will be presenting on the second mathematical practice: reason abstractly and quantitatively on Monday, December 10. Hope to see you there.
Total Participation Techniques
A quick Total Participation Technique is Numbered Heads Together. After forming a group of 3-6, have students number off within the group. It is a good idea to confirm student numbers by asking all of the ones to stand or identify themselves, twos, threes, etc. This will avoid problems and confusion later. Inform the groups that all members will need to be able to present their groups information. Wait until all the group work is complete before informing students of the number that will be presenting. During the debriefing portion of the activity, call out the number for the team member who will be presenting for the group.
http://www.asainstitute.org/conference2013/handouts/3-Engage-them-all.pdf
A Little Fun
Contact Information
Email: sklocke@washburn.k12.wi.us
Website: www.washburn.k12.wi.us
Phone: (715) 373-6199