Opening Curriculum

I found this article to be quite insightful into the way teachers are supposed to teach math versus how teachers want to teach math. I’ve said before that I struggle with using our math curriculum and would much rather supplement my own lessons. This article follows the idea that students need to develop more skills and knowledge than current math curriculum allows. The article discusses different strategies to help build students’ MMKB (multiple mathematics knowledge base). The first strategy aims to manipulate the sequence of the lesson, or even cut out parts altogether. Rather than always following the same pattern of instruction (opening, lesson, practice problems, word problem), change the order and allow students to problem-solve first. The second strategy invites teachers to differentiate and adapt practice problems so each student can be successful. Teachers should encourage students to complete practice problems at their individual level using their own strategies and methods. The final strategy discussed is to make math relevant to the students. Build connections between math and real-world problems.  Using these strategies may not solve the problems that we are having with teaching math, but they definitely may help students stay more engaged and motivated to learn.