This week in math, we had a discussion on several topics that I will like to share with you all!
Number Flexibility
This was a concept that I struggled with a little during our online class. But once I got my "aha" moment, I came to realize that through number flexibility, students gain a deeper understanding of numbers. Number flexibility is the ability to manipulate numbers in order to solve problems. In order to do, students need to be able to have a strong understanding of how numbers work through manipulation such as multiplication, addition, division and so forth. It is the idea that there are different ways to come to the same answer because people are flexible with numbers. Take 18x5 for example. You can solve the problem by simply multiplying 18x5 or solving it by breaking down the number and multiplying 10x5=50, then 8x5=40, add 40+50=90. In the end, both strategies will get you to the same answer, but it is the idea that numbers are flexible and people can get to the same answer with fewer or quicker steps, it all depends on how the person wants to manipulate the numbers.
Once students are able to manipulate and become flexible with numbers, they will gain a strong mathematical understanding.
Talking About Math
Another topic that we learned this week was the notion of talking about math outside of the classroom. We watched a video that I would like to share down below. The video explains the students who are always talking about math, whether it's at the dinner table or with friends, they have improved math scores. I can personally see how students will develop their math skills when stimulated continuously by it because they are not turning off the math switch in their minds. Students will be able to make the connection between math and real-life since they are talking about math even outside the context of the classroom. Being in different settings such as the park, cafeteria, etc. can stimulate students mind to utilize their surroundings when completing math problems.
Another topic that we learned this week was the notion of talking about math outside of the classroom. We watched a video that I would like to share down below. The video explains the students who are always talking about math, whether it's at the dinner table or with friends, they have improved math scores. I can personally see how students will develop their math skills when stimulated continuously by it because they are not turning off the math switch in their minds. Students will be able to make the connection between math and real-life since they are talking about math even outside the context of the classroom. Being in different settings such as the park, cafeteria, etc. can stimulate students mind to utilize their surroundings when completing math problems.
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI like what you have written regarding number flexibility as I believe that it can be further used to help create multiple entry points for students of various abilities and understanding to solve a mathematical problem.
Number flexibility encourages the idea that there isn't simply one way to solve a problem. Through this concept teachers begin to recognize how students process information differently to arrive at answers while utilizing concepts that make the most sense to the student.