math instruction in education

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
• Literacy is

reading and
writing.

Fact
• 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
• Students learn
math best through
math best when
teacher-directed
they are active
lessons.
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
• Assessment
should include a
should consist of
variety of: journals,
tests and
portfolios,
quizzes.

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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Myth

Fact

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

• When used
appropriately,
calculators
improve
computation

skills.

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Myth or Fact?
• Manipulatives are
for young
children.

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

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1

x

x2

y

y2

xy

-1 -x

-x2

-y

-y2

-xy

One Algebra Tile
Model f or
x2 - 2x + 2

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