Teaching Elementary Students the Magic of MathAn Oregon elementary school has improved test scores by integrating math across all subject areas and focusing on teacher training. Read the article.
An Oregon elementary school has improved test scores by integrating math across all subject areas and focusing on teacher training. Read the article.
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Release Date: 11/8/2005
Video Credits
Produced, Written, and Directed by
- Ken Ellis
Associate Producer:
- Amy Erin Borovoy
Editor:
- Karen Sutherland
Camera Crew:
- Todd Sonflieth
- Ted Cutler
- Ken Ellis
Narrator:
- Kris Welch
Original Music:
- Ed Bogas
- © 2005
- The George Lucas Educational Foundation
- All rights reserved.
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Comments (13)
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Math as a life skill
I loved the principal's comment about Math "not really being a subject," but more of a way to reason and solve problems. You can't argue with their results, 98% of students scoring at or above grade level is an amazing success rate. Best part of the video had to be the kid who says his favorite class is soccer, before that I was skeptical about this being a real school. Just kidding.
I wish I had these types of
I wish I had these types of teachers, as when I was in gr.3 neither my gr.8 educated father nor my gr.7 educated mother could help me understand what 3/4 divided by 1/5 was, so how would you teach this like the 4.5 / 1.5 example taught as transferring it into a money problem which most children from economically disadvantaged lower middle class families like mine had to 'deal'
with but usually fought over whether or not to buy desert or not, my 'mother' usually blaming my father for wanting us but not 'wanting' to "PAY for having had us !"
We need the top
We need the top administration official to hear and appreciate how badly the education organization is broken down in some parts of the globe. Education is a great stepping stone in finish shortage once and for all, by enable people to work and be industrious members of society. It’s time to teach people about binary numbers, how to stay healthy by hand wash, and other basic fundamentals.
Math initiative in South Dakota
I am a Math Specialist currently working with a math initiative in South Dakota called "SD Counts". We are beginning our 3rd year of training using the CGI approach to learning. In my ESA (Educational Service Agency) I have 18 Math Leaders each from a different school district who I work with and train on a monthly basis, coaching in also included. I know I have teachers who previously to taught and showed the basic algorithim and the steps for solving a problem that would NEVER go back to this method after their training in CGI and using the problem-solving approach in their classrooms. Year 1, our focus was Number Sense and Operations, Year 2 was Algebraic Thinking and Year 3 will be Geometry.
The success stories of my Math Leaders are huge. If you would like to visit more about the model we have established in South Dakota, I would love to visit.
We now will have two years of test data. Year 1 showed 5th grade students who were in a classroom where the teacher had implemented CGI in the classroom and were Math Leaders were a little higher than those that did not have teachers who were participating in SD Counts.
math programs
The topic of math is an interest of mine. I watched the video of Fullerton school and I enjoyed how much the children enjoyed math. I am interested in what other math programs and philosophies you have to share with me. My school district is currently looking into a math program and interested in any feedback.
To Aurietha
Staff comment:
For more information about this school's math curricula, see Edutopia.org's interview with the school's principal.
The companion article to this video also provides more context; see "More to this story," above. You can also contact the school directly and ask questions!
Computer technology
The principal in the video could not have been more correct when she stated that "To often adults make excuses and minimize students ability to learn". I believe that it is excuses on our ability to teach or think outside the old school box. How soon can I get information on Math Magic to use with my students. I believe that students who live in poor communities are just as able as any other students. They have just not had the enrichment opportunities or the mathematical thinking presented to them. It's time we remove our blinders as we teach.
Response to Karla
Staff comment:
Karla,
Did your child's teacher have any suggestions for how you might be able to help him learn math?
If you live near a science center or children's museum, check if they have any classes or workshops that teach math concepts in a way that is fun and engaging for kids.
Additionally, there are some Web sites like FunBrain.com (with free online games for kids that teach math skills) and EducationWorld.com/math that have ideas for making math fun to learn.
Remember, as a parent, you are your child's first teacher. By posting your comment on this site, you're showing that you are willing to go the extra step. Find resources so that you can be a math teacher!
Please help me I am so
Please help me I am so desperate my son is having trouble in math, his teacher says that he is not improvment at school, please help me.
WOW!
the children ae really smart. (:
i am so amazed by how they learn so quickly. and are so healthy.