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From memorization to understanding
Changing the way students learn math
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Have you ever asked a student to explain how they solved a problem and they answered, "That's how my teacher did it"? The process those students were using to do the mathematics wasn't their own. They were simply following the step by step procedure laid out for them.
In the past, mathematics instruction was just about getting the right answer. Today being mathematically proficient isn't just about following procedure and getting the correct answer, but also about the thinking process that comes with it. The Mathematics Design Collaborative (MDC) is an initiative that provides professional development and instructional tools to support teachers as they transform how they are teaching and students are learning.
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Is Curiosity Dead?
Sparking student interest through better questions
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Teachers are frustrated that their students don't ask questions or if they do, they only ask questions about directions, assignments, and rubrics. So what can we do to help them develop their natural sense of curiosity?
It starts with asking the right questions. The Question Formulation Technique and Make Meaning protocol are two approaches that can help students improve comprehension and critical thinking.
NC New Schools/Breakthrough Learning Coach Catherine Hart shares examples of how math teachers are using these tools to help students ask better questions and take ownership over their learning.
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Math can be puzzling, and that's a good thing
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As an educator, I hate to admit that I loved it when my 4th grade teacher would leave us with a substitute. That would mean Logic Puzzles! I loved them. As down time, substitute plans, or the day before a holiday she would give us a logic puzzles to solve. To this day, when going on long trips or in an airplane, I sift through all the word puzzle magazines to find usually the one logic puzzle magazine to take with me and give my brain some much needed fun and exercise.
In reflection, what I find interesting is that I wasn't that kid who you would expect to thrive on mathematical logic puzzles. I struggled with word problems. I often needed extra help in math. It wasn't that I couldn't do it. I just couldn't do it fast. The math and logic puzzles hooked me in a way a subtraction algorithm never could. It showed me a magical side to math where I could wander in my brain, take my time, and find my own way. In an educational culture dominated by standards, pacing guides, and standardized tests, how do we show students the joy and beauty in mathematics? How can we use its mystical nature to inspire students?
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Chunk This! Math and Science in Action
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What happens when you take seven girls, one pumpkin and the ability to put their knowledge to the test? According to engineer turned STEM teacher Ben Owens, you get inspired learning.
Students from his honors physics class recently received a certificate of achievement for winning the 2015 "Punkin Chunkin" competition in Cherokee County, NC by designing, building testing and optimizing a full-scale trebuchet. Along the way, they applied their knowledge of math and physics and gained a greater appreciation for two-dimensional projectile motion.
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2015 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
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Dr. Angela H. Quick, Senior Vice President, NC New Schools/Breakthrough Learning recently delivered opening remarks at the 2015 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) event. The seven North Carolina state finalists and 2014 award recipients were recognized for their contributions to
mathematics and science education in North Carolina.
The 2015 finalists are now competing for the PAEMST awards. Up to two mathematics or science teachers from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. territories as a group, and schools operated in the United States and overseas by the Department of Defense Education Activity receive the award. PAEMST awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, a $10,000 award, and a Presidential certificate.
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Registration is now open for Scaling STEM 2016
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Join us April 4-6, 2016 for the Scaling STEM conference. This is an opportunity to learn from experts from across the nation and with peers to advance STEM strategies for all.
This year's conference will have a focus on equity. Ensuring all students have access to a quality STEM education prepares students to graduate with flexible and adaptable competence in mathematics, science and technology, and the ability to design and communicate solutions to real problems with confidence, ingenuity and thoughtfulness.
Conference highlights include student and school presentations, concurrent sessions, opportunities to hear nationally-known education leaders and networking among educators.
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The Public School Forum 2016 Eggs & Issues Breakfast is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, 2016 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Marbles Kids Museum. The Public School Forum's Top 10 education issues for 2016 will be announced and include a special live taping of NC SPIN. This event is sponsored by Biogen. Click here for details and registration.
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Applications for the Kenan Fellows Program are now open. Online applications for 2016-17 fellowships are open until Monday, January 18, 2016 at www.kenanfellows.org. A list of 2016-17 fellowship projects can be found at here.
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