In elementary school math, students learn how to change a mixed fraction to an improper fraction. Here is a tip or trick that teachers may use in their instruction: The visual diagram cues the student to multiply: 5 x 1 = 5. Then the student adds: 5 + 2 = 7. This series of steps… Read More »
Merrie, a fourth grader, is confronted with the following question: If Henry ate 1/3 of 3 pizzas, how much did he eat? Merrie draws this picture to help her solve the problem: Merrie’s drawing shows 3 pizzas divided into thirds. She shades 1/3 of 1 of the pizzas. Why does Merrie think of the problem… Read More »
Thought Experiment* How would you teach if you wanted someone: to learn something new? to enjoy and be engaged in your lesson? to remember the most important information and skills without a lot of reteaching and confusion? Do we need big, new, nationwide programs? Do we need a few tweaks to what we’re already doing?… Read More »