I have many thoughts about teaching math. Sometimes thoughts can be expressed in question form:

• How do we ensure that children learn the language of math?
• Why do children need to memorize the times tables?
• When should a child start working on problem solving skills?
• Do children understand the difference between mathematics and arithmetic?
• Do adults?
• Are children given enough time to play with math and explore ideas?
• Do we make math meaningful to children?
• Where are the best places to learn math?
• When is the best time of the day for math class?
• Are math tests an appropriate means of showing what children have learned?
• What do we do in school that makes children say they hate math?
• How do we relate math to the arts?
• Do we ask too many either or questions with only one correct answer?
• How are we going to teach math better?

Teaching mathematics to children is not easy. It shouldn’t be.

 “There is a poetry and beauty in mathematics and every student deserves to be taught by a person that shares that point of view.” ~ Long and DeTemple

We need to rethink math teaching.

Math class has to involve play. Math class has to have children talking about math and working together to explore concepts. Math tests need to be about allowing children to show what they know, not what they don’t know. Assessments need to help the adults understand what children have learned and what we need to teach.

Math class has to allow children to make mistakes.

We need to better understand what children need from us adults (parents and teachers alike) to develop as mathematicians.

The BC Ministry of Education’s Mathematics K-7 Curriculum (2007) has the following goals for students to be working towards:

• using mathematics confidently to solve problems
• using mathematics to better understand the world around us
• communicating and reasoning mathematically
• appreciating and valuing mathematics
• making connections between mathematics and its applications
• committing themselves to lifelong learning
• becoming mathematically literate and using mathematics to participate in, and contribute to, society

One strand of mathematics that I think needs far more attention is problem solving. We need to nurture in children the passion and patience to solve problems, in both math class and in life. Children need to be taught a variety of skills and be given a chance to play with problems in a safe and supportive environment. Teaching problem solving is essential.

Dan Meyer, a math educator from the United States has  a lot to say about teaching problem solving to children: “We just give problems to students. We don’t involve them in the formulation of problems.” His TED talk, Math class needs a makeover, is a good watch. “Today’s math curriculum is teaching students to expect — and excel at — paint-by-numbers classwork, robbing kids of a skill more important than solving problems: formulating them.

“The formulation of a problem is often more essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill.” ~ Albert Einstein

If you are an ITunes user, check out their “Creative Problem Solving” course.

More Reading on Teaching Problem Solving

• Teaching Problem Solving Skills
• Why Is Teaching With Problem Solving Important to Student Learning?
• Math word problems — the do’s and dont’s of teaching problem solving in math
• Math Problem Solving
• Over Fifty Problem Solving Strategies Explained

“We need more patient problem solvers” ~ Dan Meyer

The good news is that the Cleveland teachers are having discussions about learning and teaching math. We are trying to understand how do we get children engaged in math lessons.

Children are exploring math and talking about math. Children are helping each other learn math. Math is happening here.

I look forward to math everyday.

Take care