Learning Opportunities

“Our job is to support the developing mathematician, not “fix” the math.” Cathy Fosnot 

In order to better understand what students understand and trust, we need many opportunities to observe what strategies (tools) they “own” for problem solving. Specific assessment activities and diagnostics can help us to do this. And the more assessment activities we have, the better we will be at moving students forward.

By observing their problem solving tool choices and listening to their reasons for their choices, we are better equipped to decide where students are, where they need to go next, and what they need to think about next.

We will look at

• research-based assessment activities and diagnostics that reveal gaps and misconceptions
• how to respond to gaps and misconceptions that are revealed
• how to help learners to understand the big ideas behind math basics
• how to help students to “own” more tools to use when facing new and puzzling problems
• how to support the learner and move them forward without resorting to teacher-telling or memorization

Target Audience

Grades K-6 Math Teachers and Administrators