-
We believe an effective mathematics classroom incorporates a variety of instructional approaches that focus on the development of conceptual understanding and procedural skills through problem-solving. A balance of these approaches allows students to engage in authentic learning, utilize mathematical practices, and make connections.
Math instruction should be intentional ensuring that:
- Students Apply & Problem-Solve: Students communicate ideas to develop skills and understanding. Students focus on efficiency of strategy rather than rote procedures. Students solve problems to understand math in the world around them.
- Students Make Authentic Connections: Students mathematize their world. Students make mathematical connections. Students apply their thinking to new contexts and situations. Students engage in inquiry.
- Students Develop Core Knowledge & Skills: Students utilize various tools to make sense of mathematical skills and concepts. Students understand concepts through models and relevant examples. Students visually represent mathematics. Students engage in explanatory/reflective writing. Students develop skills through purposeful practice. Students compute with numbers accurately, efficiently, and flexibly.
- Students Engage in the Standards for Mathematical Practice: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Reason abstractly and quantitatively. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Model with mathematics. Use appropriate tools strategically. Attend to precision. Look for and make use of structure. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Click on the link below that displays these beliefs in the Balanced Model of Instruction graphic.
