EDU431

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METHODS OF TEACHING
MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE IN THE
PRIMARY/JUNIOR GRADES

Required reading I: Analysis and Reflection.
Title: Elementary School Mathematics Priorities.

CITATION: Wilson, W. Stephen. Johns Hopkins University. Elementary School Mathematics
Priorities.

ABSTRACT:

Mathematics is hierarchal and precise.
Solving problems is what mathematics is all
about. Thus, mathematics becomes
necessary as problems become
sophisticated. According to this article, there
are five basic building blocks of elementary
mathematics that is essential to follow.
These five concepts include: numbers, place
value system, whole number operations,
fractions & decimals, and problem solving. In
order to understand and perform
mathematics, one must follow these five
basic building blocks.

ANALYSIS/REFLECTION:

Mathematics is essential to learn throughout
elementary school as it helps with not only
solving math problems, but problems that
may arise throughout a students educational
career. I have noticed that mathematics is
always a priority for teachers. In my Learn &
Serve placement, my teacher would make
sure to teach math every single day even if
she had to replace another subject. Thus,
teachers need to learn to make math fun so
students are excited to learn and participate
in it.

The 5 building blocks for math mentioned
throughout this paper are important as they
put into perspective what concepts should be
focused on for students to fully understand
and apply mathematics. First is numbers.
Numbers become the foundation of
mathematics as students need to be able to
speak and write them. Second, is place value.
This block is the foundation of the numbering
system as it organizes and unifies. Third, is
whole number operations which focus on
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division. Forth, is fractions & decimals,
learning about these are relevant as whole
numbers are not enough, for example, when
learning how to calculate percentages. Fifth,
is problem solving. By solving problems,

students can confirm their understanding of

the math they have been learning & doing.

Moreover, this paper points out that in order
for students and teachers to communicate
about mathematics, they both must have
precise meanings for the symbols,
techniques, forms and terms in common.

Finally, math teaches logic and order.

Students may ask why math is necessary, but
quality math instruction must ensure that
this question is asked infrequently. Math
instruction should incorporate techniques
that are designed to demonstrate to students
the relevancy of math to their daily lives, the
world around them and their future careers.
So, teachers must strive to provide a real-
world context for the skills that they teach
and must tell students the rationale behind
the concept they are teaching.