NACD Newsletter: Volume 1, Issue 14

Estimation: How to Accelerate the Learning Process with Math and Build Visualization and Conceptual Skills Simultaneously

by Bob Doman

Math

Teaching your child how to use estimation in math can significantly improve his learning curve. Estimation can increase the rate at which your child learns math facts, improve math conceptual development, and increase the overall intensity, and therefore impact, of math instruction. Estimation also provides a means for assessing his knowledge of math facts, as well as his understanding of math concepts. If your child is unable to make an estimation with a specific math function or operation, such as with fractions, then he probably does not understand the concept. Estimation is valuable for every child, whether learning single digit addition or calculus. Estimation is also a valuable tool for the development of visualization and conceptualization skills.

The process of teaching your child to estimate involves plenty of input and feedback. Before a child does a math problem, ask her, "What do you think the answer is going to be?" Have her estimate the answer and write that number above the problem. After she has completed the problem, discus how close she came with the estimation and how she might have approached it differently or better.

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