Classroom Changes

Classroom Changes to Deepen Math Learning

In the past ten years, the way mathematics is taught in schools has changed drastically. When I was in school, teachers taught the most basic way to solve a problem. Many times this included a standard algorithm or formula. I was expected to memorize facts, but was not always taught the rationale behind them. 

In today's classrooms, we focus on teaching the meaning behind mathematics rather than asking students to memorize facts and equations. Many times we use manipulatives to teach the concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These manipulatives give a visual and concrete description of what is going on in each of these types of problems. 

In today's classrooms, we encourage students to be problem solvers. This can mean that students are discovering math concepts on their own by making connections to things that they already know. Making connections in mathematics is a major push in classrooms now. 

Both of these things help lead students to deeper math learning. Students do not learn anything by memorizing facts or plugging numbers into a formula. These are things that are only beneficial AFTER learning the mathematical concepts. For example division facts can be helpful and more efficient, but they do not mean anything until students understand that they are dividing a number of things into a specific number of groups. 

Todays mathematical classroom looks much different than one from 10-15 years ago. Teachers today are striving to teach students in a way that provides meaning and connections. Students are learning and understanding so much more now!

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