Have you ever wondered why students often struggle with problem solving in math? Well, problem solving is… challenging! And, if problem solving is difficult, then teaching how to solve problems is even more demanding. There are some common reasons we believe teachers struggle to support students in developing problem solving skills.

As students and teachers have traversed the educational landscape throughout the last year, two things are very certain. The first, is that teachers, schools, and districts have had to adapt their systems and structures of instruction to meet the needs of their students. The second, is that as a result of that adaptation, great teaching and learning has taken place.

As a math educator, how often do we hear students stating, “I know how to do this”? Read more to find out how changing one word in the statement “I know how to do this” assesses multiple knowledge domains and unveils a student’s comprehensive understanding of a concept.

Changing classroom routines and instructional practices can be challenging. Implementing games can make it easier and enjoyable for teachers and students! Here’s how mathematics games can help launch change and address state standards and demands for mathematical rigor.

“We covered it,” goes the familiar expression, “but they just didn’t learn it.” Crucial skills deserve something better than coverage. To improve early math outcomes and math outcomes for life, we must learn to understand the principles of informed instruction that lead to competency.

Schools have been attempting to cram more and more content into a typical teaching day, and asking children to learn overwhelming content at younger and younger ages, without taking the time to build the foundational skills needed for learning or behavioral success. Let’s consider a different approach.