EDU431

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

Required reading L: Analysis and Reflection.
Title: What is the Best Way to Teach Math? Old School or New? Teachers Debate Best
Methods as Scores Fall.

CITATION: The Canadian Press. July 2, 2015. What is the Best Way to Teach Math? Old School
or New? Teachers Debate Best Methods as Scores Fall.

ABSTRACT:

In todays society, math teachers have
created a discussion on what are the best
teaching practices in regards to teaching
math, since students scores have been
decreasing. There is a large debate between
sticking with old methods or bringing about
new ones. This article discusses Dan Meyers
(math teaching celebrity) approach to math:
struggle leads to learning. On the other hand,
Professor Anna Stokke states that a direct
method for teaching math is more effective.

ANALYSIS/REFLECTION:

In my opinion, there is no best method for
teaching math. I believe that it is important
to teach according to the needs of all your
students. Thus, teachers need to determine
what method(s) is best.

Every teacher is going to have their own
strategies for teaching math which is why
discussions are emotional or become heated,
as mentioned in the article. The main
question from this article is whether teachers
should be using the old methods of teaching
mathematics, or the new ones being figured
out today. The old school approach is to
lecture students, and then allowing them to
practice the math taught. The growing
method deals with a more creative approach
that engages students constantly.

At two of my placements, I was able to teach
a few math lessons. First, I would follow the
curriculum guidelines. Second, I would figure
out how to effectively deliver my lesson by
motivating the students prior. Then I would
think to myself the following: does it make
sense? Remember the goals (& go through
them with the students), know my
resources/materials, and enjoy teaching the
lesson. As teachers, we should strive to teach

for understanding of mathematical concepts

and procedures, the "why" something works,
and not only the "how".

A quote in this article really resonated with
me, the best teaching is some shade of grey,
where the teacher talks about what to do,
the teacher gives students some reason to
care and some background on how to care. I
strongly agree due to the fact that when
students have an understanding of why this is
being taught they will be able to make
connections to it and want to participate in
their learning. In conclusion, before
conducting a math lesson, the teacher should
outline the learning goals and success
criteria. Ultimately, there is no right answer
as to which method should be used.