Math Is Not What It Once Was.
If you have a child in school today, you’ve probably had the conversation to someone (or even yourself) as to why in the world math is changing? Wasn’t it good enough for me the way I learned it? It definitely was! But times are not what they once were.
I like to ask my students if they could imagine carrying candles around? Or be tied to the wall when talking on the phone? Not so long ago, that’s how it was. I can hear what those people said about all the changes back then. Sounds crazy, but….
Change is not the enemy. We actually like those changes (or most of us do). The way we teach math today is not to make the parents have headaches or get them angry (although during homework time it might feel like it). It actually has to do with the students and the way they learn.
Educators aim to improve math instruction and student understanding by focusing on deeper conceptual understanding and problem solving skills. Knowing the “why” behind the math concepts instead of just memorizing steps helps students build critical thinking and apply math in real-world situations.
Math is often taught as a series of building blocks. Students start with the basics and progressively move to more complex concepts. This ensures that students have a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced topics.
Problem solving is also encouraged instead of waiting for someone else to give students the answer. Many times, students would rather “mimic” what the teacher has written on the board instead of applying past knowledge to solve the problem.
Students are also encouraged to think critically about math problems. They may be asked to explain their reasoning, justify their answers, and consider different approaches to solving problems.
Let’s take a moment to look at a great series to help bridge the gap from school to home. My multiplication series is to help parents/guardians to take a peak into a 4th grade lesson.
If your child does not feel confident when multiplying 4 digit numbers by a one digit number or 2 digit numbers by 2 digit numbers, this is for you.
My passion is to take the tears and frustration during math homework sessions down to a minimum or completely gone. Check it out!
Real World Math
Math aims to show students how math is used in the real world. It connects math to practical situations, helping students see the relevance of what they are learning.
While understanding is crucial, it also promotes mathematical fluency. This means students should be able to perform basic operations (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) efficiently and accurately.
Math educators also support classroom discussions and collaborative problem solving. This helps students learn from each other and develop communication skills related to math.
Assessment goes beyond simple multiple choice tests. It may include tasks that require students to explain their reason or solve complex problems.
Math is structured in a way that builds on previous learning. Students revisit and deepen their understanding of concepts year after year.
Parents can support their children by showing an interest in their math studies, asking them to explain their thinking and providing opportunities for real-world math practice.
It is important to remember that today’s math can be challenging, both for students and parents who may be less familiar with the approach. However, the goal is to equip students with a deeper and more flexible understanding of mathematics that will serve them well in the future. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to communicate with your child’s teacher to ensure they are getting the support they need.
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