Mathematics is a complex subject that people use every day because it is everywhere in

the real world. Mathematics is interdisciplinary; the concepts taught can be integrated into the
curriculum across all subject areas. For example, an educator may include the use of a Venn
diagram to convey the comparing and contrasting of fictional characters, historical figures, or
human body systems. Using a variety of mathematics approaches is a way of differentiating
instruction in the classroom to meet the students needs. Technology is also incorporated in the
learning environment to provide opportunities for students to participate in interactive learning.
Utilizing mathematics applications outside of the classroom occurs everyday. The skills learned
in a math classroom are to be helpful and meaningful in tangible encounters.
Problem solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills all prepare students to be able to
overcome challenges faced during everyday obstacles. One way for students to develop a
conceptual understanding is through constructivism. Students should explore and make
discoveries in their own learning, through communication with their peers and guidance from
their teacher, in order to master topics. Challenging students to develop word problems and
applying strategies to real-life problems promotes the development of higher-level thinking
skills.
Cooperative learning gives the opportunity for students to collaborate and communicate
concepts from prior knowledge to create an understanding and connection to a new topic. An
example is having students construct bar graphs to demonstrate and analyze the probability of
each of the M&M colors that show up the most in one bag. Manipulatives guide students through
engagement and provide the hands-on, visual representation to make the connection to the
computational representation and obtain a deeper understanding. For instance, the beads on a
Rekenrek bracelet indicate how to decompose a whole number into two smaller parts. Students
are to practice splitting all of the beads apart, at school and at home, in order to gain a greater
understanding of a concrete to an abstract concept. Mathematics is to be taught for the students
to exercise their own knowledge, be able to explain material, carry it further, and apply or give
mathematics purpose in outside experiences.
When students brainstorm and share ideas, they acquire knowledge of concepts from
different perspectives. Students learn to communicate mathematics to one another through
writing and presenting solutions to problems verbally. The NYS Common Core Curriculum
creates lessons containing abstract problems to require interaction among students to further their

conceptual understanding. The development of higher-level thinking skills through a cooperative

learning setting builds a strong foundation for applying mathematical concepts more readily
outside of the classroom.