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Why Has Mathematics Instruction Changed?

Myths and Facts

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Myth Fact

• Some people just can’t do math.

• Every adult and every child can do mathematics.

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Mathematics for All …

As society changes, schools need to respond to these changes and provide meaningful mathematics to ALL of our students, ALL of the time.

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Myth Fact

• Math takes place only in the classroom.

• Mathematical literacy is deeply embedded in the modern day workplace and in everyday life.

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Mathematics Everywhere …

To be successful in many occupations and to be able to function in today’s technological world, students must be able to process and interpret data, communicate their understanding with others and be able to apply mathematical reasoning.

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Myth Fact

• Literacy is reading and writing.

• Literacy is far broader, including an understanding of graphs, tables, statistics, probability...

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Mathematical Literacy …

Mathematical literacy includes the ability to put mathematical knowledge and skills to functional use, and to pose and solve mathematical problems in a variety of situations.

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Links to Literacy …

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Myth Fact

• Knowing number facts and procedural skills are no longer valued by teachers.

• Knowing number facts and procedural skills has become a smaller portion of the mathematics valued by teachers.

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Problem Solving …

Problem solving is the most important and challenging process in mathematics.

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Myth Fact

• Students learn math best through teacher-directed lessons.

• Students learn math best when they are active participants in the learning process.

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Active Learning …

Students are active individuals who construct, modify, and integrate ideas by interacting with the physical world, materials, and other students.

NCTM, 1989, p.17

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Teacher’s Role …

The teacher’s role is to provide learning activities and create an environment that engages students, facilitating their development of mathematical concepts.

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Myth Fact

• Assessment should consist of tests and quizzes.

• Assessment should include a variety of: journals, portfolios, performance tasks, projects, quizzes, tests, observations.

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Assessment of Learning …

A student is assessed on how well he or she solves problems, shows understanding of concepts, applies mathematical procedures, and communicates required knowledge.

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Assessment for Learning …

Teachers need to observe students as they do mathematics, reflect on student responses, provide oral feedback to students, and adjust instruction based on these observations.

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• The use of calculators will have a negative impact on students’ math skills

• When used appropriately, calculators improve computation skills.

Myth Fact

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• Manipulatives are for young children.

• Manipulatives help connect abstract thought to something tangible --- for learners of ALL ages.

Myth or Fact?

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One Algebra TileModel for

x2 - 2x + 2

-1 -x -x2 -y2-y -xy

xyy y2x2x1