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  • Common Denominator – Why?

    Common Denominator – Why?

    We explain steps in great detail to students but often omit the underlying concept. The topic of adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators is an example of this.       The example above right is a short cut for what is shown above left. These short cuts, which math teachers love to use,…

  • Retaining Information

    Retaining Information

    Below is a model for information processing (retention and retrieval). Here are a couple key points I want to highlight: A lot of information is filtered out so what gets through? Information that is interesting or relevant. Information that is connected to prior knowledge, is relevant or that is organized has a better change of…

  • Math Rulz

    Math Rulz

    Math is challenging for various reasons: It involves numbers and not just words that we use on a regular basis to communicate. It is a language all of its own so students have to learn the language as well as the concepts. We teachers sometimes make learning the math more challenging. I want to elaborate…

  • Math Rulz

    Despite Common Core for State Standards, a multitude of initiatives, best practices, differentiation etc. math is challenging for most students. A major reason, from what I have encountered, is that math is often taught in piecemeal fashion with an attempt at rote memorization of an overabundance of rules. I compiled many of these rules into a single…