When many people think of math they think of memorizing their multiplication tables, learning the formulas for area and solving for x. These are important skills to master but they are not the true purpose of math; instead, they are the tools learners use to think critically, solve problems and explore the world around them. Mathematicians are willing to think abstractly, fail and persevere in making sense of problems. At TVS we are working to help learners develop into lifelong mathematicians.
How do we help learners accomplish this? We integrate technology, challenging problem solving activities and lots of games to develop the skills and mindset needed to persevere in math! Khan exposes learners to new content in a way that requires them to think deeply, analyze mistakes and persevere when they make mistakes. When learners are working on problem solving activities they have the opportunity to talk about their strategies and work to communicate effectively with their peers. They also get to see how math can help them solve problems in the world around them.
Math games provide learners with a fun way to practice fluency skills which usually take time and repeated exposure to master. When learners are able to practice skills in fun ways they are more willing to make mistakes, learn from one another and practice for more time than they would using a worksheet. Additionally, studies have shown that learning in a low stress environment aids in storing information in long term memory and games provide the perfect low stress environment for learning!
So what is my role in all of this? Am I here to take the place of Khan? Or create a more traditional math classroom? The answer to both of those questions is NO! I am here to enhance the amazing work that is already happening at TVS! Learning math can be challenging and that is overall a good thing. We want learners to struggle and persevere but sometimes that struggling can shift from a learner’s challenge zone to panic zone. When this happens, I’m here to provide a quick hint, a reminder of a tool or manipulative they could use to support their thinking or simply to cheer them on as they build up their confidence.
Another enhancement I am excited about for next year is providing students with companion math labs to enhance the learning they are completing on Khan. These math labs will help learners build fluency skills that can easily be overlooked when focusing on Khan mastery alone. For example, learners in Discovery are first introduced to fractions in Arithmetic Unit 4. Based on my experience as an elementary math teacher and someone with a masters in mathematics education, fractions are best introduced using manipulatives and hands on experiences which is simply not possible to do using Khan. Next year, learners will be required to master a math lab, in addition to unit 4, where they will explore a variety of fraction concepts using manipulatives, drawings and math discussions. The goal of this lab is to supplement the learning they will gain from Khan for a more holistic understanding of fractions.
One of my favorite TV shows is Numb3rs, an early 2000s show where a mathematician helps the FBI solve crime. In the show’s introduction it says “Math is more than formulas or equations; it’s logic, it’s rationality, it’s using your mind to solve the biggest mysteries we know.” This is my passion and goal with the learners at TVS- to help them have the tools and mindset they need to use logic and rational thinking to solve the problems of tomorrow.
P.S. Want to help your learner continue practicing math at home this summer? Check out these games!
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