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Teaching Mathematics

In response to unacceptable levels of mathematics achievement in the United States many groups with an interest in the teaching of mathematics have called for reform (Niemi, 1996). The calls for reform are based on recent advances in cognitive theory that call for a more constructivist view of learning (Wood & Sellers, 1996). Traditionally, mathematics instruction in the primary grades has consisted of teaching computational skills, drills, and simple word problems. Concepts now included in mathematics curricula are being changed to stress problem-solving skills, but the resources and teaching methods available to primary grade teachers are not keeping current with the new standards. In 1989, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) began emphasizing the teaching of mathematical concepts and problem solving at all grade levels. In the years following, the NCTM have strengthened their stance on the inclusion of problem solving within mathematics curricula. The California Mathematics Framework also includes problem-solving instruction beginning in kindergarten. The primary focus of mathematics instruction is shifting from simple computational skills to problem-solving applications in all grade levels.

The purpose of teaching problem solving in the primary grades is to enable the student to understand the relationships between an event and the mathematical model of that event. An example event: There are three children outside. Mother brings out two glasses of lemonade. How many more glasses of lemonade does Mother need to bring outside if all children will have one glass of lemonade? The mathematical model:

3 children = 3 glasses of lemonade are needed

3 glasses - 2 glasses = 1 more glass of lemonade is needed

Mathematics is studied in school so that we can resolve real-life problems (Krech, 1999). The problems teachers design for their students should follow these parameters: (a) the probl...

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Teaching Mathematics. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 10:57, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1707280.html