Rethinking math achievement by means of public perception, not public policy. I recently read an article entitled, “9 Years Into Obama’s Common Core – Math Scores at a 20 Year Low and Falling,” which highlighted many of the concerns surrounding Common Core State Standards (CCSS). What most people agree on is that the CCSS has […]
READ MORESharing Little Gems of Math Understanding!
Gems of math understanding or ‘ah-ha’ moments are often similar for teachers regardless of their location Over the past 25 years I have been very fortunate that my business has given me the opportunity to travel and work in several countries, including 46 states of America. During this time, I have delivered thousands of hours […]
READ MOREORIGO Experts Share Their Love of Math
We all use math in everyday applications whether we’re aware of it or not. If you look around, you’ll see math in action from some unexpected places. Mathematics is a universal language and helps us create and bring our ideas into reality. From cooking a fantastic meal to playing music to knitting that perfect scarf. […]
READ MOREFocus on Fractions: The Necessary Prerequisite for Addition and Subtraction of Fractions
This is part of a series on fractions. Click here for the previous article in the series. It’s not always “apples to apples” for the addition and subtraction of fractions. There are only a few things this writer remembers from his early elementary school days. Mrs. Weeks, my first-grade teacher, often repeated the statement, “You […]
READ MOREFocus on Fractions: Linking Fractions and Decimals (Using the Number Line)
This is part of a series on fractions. Click here for the previous article in the series. Decimal fractions used in history and the use of the number line in teaching fractions. In this post, I’ll explain how fractions came into being and how today’s number line is an invaluable tool for making the link […]
READ MOREFocus on Fractions: Visual Images That Help Teach Fractions
This is part of a series on fractions. Click here for the previous article in the series. Children benefit greatly from the use of concrete materials and visual images when learning fractions. Over the past 50-plus years, various learning theorists have advocated the use of concrete materials and visual images to help children develop full […]
READ MOREFocus on Fractions: Are Fractions Key to a Child’s Future Success in Mathematics?
This is part of a series on fractions. Click here for the previous article in the series. Research suggests fractions are essential for a student’s future success in mathematics. Since 2012, there have been a range of published research studies (Bailey et al., 2012; Booth & Newton, 2012; Torbeyns etal., 2014; Siegler etal., 2012)1, suggesting […]
READ MOREUsing Language Stages to Guide the Development of Measurement Concepts (Part 2)
Using Language Stages to Guide the Development of Measurement Concepts Language can be used to guide the development of nearly all mathematics concepts including the development of measurement concepts. In fact, when language is used in the teaching of mathematics it forces curriculum planners to focus on concepts and not just skills or procedures. To […]
READ MORELanguage in Mathematics: Borrowing from Literacy Strategies (Part 3)
Visualization and modeling as active thinking math strategies This is the final post of our 3-part literacy series: Math and Literacy Part 1: Activating prior knowledge and using schema to make predictions Math and Literacy Part 2: Questioning as an Active Thinking Math Strategy Math and Literacy Part 3: Visualization and Modeling Visualization and modeling is the […]
READ MOREIntroduction to Multiplication: Parent Observations and Actions (Part 1)
What’s a parent to do with two kids, two approaches, and two vastly different outcomes in teaching and learning the concept of multiplication basics? Similar to those reading this article, I am passionate about mathematics education, and as a parent of two young children, I am very interested in the homework they bring home! In […]
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