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| ASCD Special Report |
| November 15, 2007 |
ASCD SmartBrief Special Report:
Making Math Count (Part II)
As math becomes more important around the world, U.S. students show steady improvement, but troubling achievement gaps remain. Educators are seeking new methods to close such gaps, as well as encourage girls to take more math coursework.
This two-part ASCD SmartBrief Special Report on Making Math Count examines why math is so important and offers tips and resources for educators to better engage students and help them learn. Part II explores new technology that is transforming math education, as well as stereotypes that affect girls' and minorities' participation in math. Part I, published Tuesday, examined why math is so important, explored new instruction and assessment methods and featured various perspectives on math education.
NAEP scores indicate consistent math progress
U.S. students have shown consistent math gains since 1991 regardless of poverty level, ethnic group or state of residence, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress report card on mathematics. Racial achievement gaps, however, have not closed significantly. Educational Leadership (11/2007)
Column: Latin American schools must improve math, science
While East Asian countries now boast an average graduation rate of 44%, only 18% of Latin American students complete high school, according to a recent World Bank report. Latin American countries score among the lowest in the world in math and science, boding poorly for children's ability to emerge from poverty, writes Miami Herald Latin America correspondent Andres Oppenheimer. The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)/Miami Herald (10/22)
Teach mathematical reasoning to improve understanding
The difficulties that fractions and algebra give both students and adults indicates that many math troubles stem not from computation, but interpretation, writes St. Olaf College math professor Lynn Arthur Steen. Students will continue to struggle with interpretation until textbooks and educators help students understand why math is useful outside of the math classroom. Educational Leadership (11/2007)
Algebra may help young students learn mathematical reasoning
Algebraic reasoning is helping some elementary students better translate real-life problems into mathematical models, math-education experts say. Many methods outlined in this article can be used to successfully introduce such concepts to young students. Educational Leadership (11/2007)
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TV show takes the mystery out of math homework
Six Maryland teachers participate in a live, call-in television show, "Count On Us," to help elementary- and middle-school students with their math homework. Children call or e-mail with their questions, and the teachers help students work out the problems on-air. The Washington Post (10/4)
Microsoft launches software to help with math homework
Microsoft is diving into the educational-software business with Microsoft Math 3.0, a downloadable program intended to help students and their parents work through math homework together. "Many parents don't feel comfortable helping students with math," said Microsoft program manager Ben Kunz. With the new software, "parents can sit side-by-side with their child while they work through the steps." eSchool News (free registration) (6/11)
Wireless calculators identify struggling math students
A new Texas Instruments calculator sends wireless signals from pupils' hand-held calculators to a desktop PC that lets teachers analyze and correct student errors before they fall behind. The TI-Navigator system lets instructors "get answers from every student, not just the vocal ones," according to the Texas Instruments Web site. USA TODAY/Reuters (5/15)
Hand-held technology may transform math tests
A new technology allows elementary teachers to more effectively test young children's reading skills and may soon be extended to math. MClass allows educators to upload results and observations on a hand-held computer, and receive nearly instantaneous feedback on how to more effectively help children learn difficult concepts. eSchool News (free registration) (10/17)
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Stereotypes still keep girls out of math, sciences
In elementary school, 66% of girls and 68% of boys report liking science, but as they become more aware of stereotypes in later grades, twice as many boys express interest in math and science careers as do girls. Five common myths persist vis-a-vis girls' preferences and strengths when it comes to scientific subject matter, according to the National Science Foundation's Research on Gender in Science and Engineering program. MSNBC/LiveScience (8/27)
Stress mathematical reasoning to help low-income students
Lower-income students may be more likely to use common sense when solving math problems, putting them at risk of missing the mathematical point, says University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign associate professor Sarah Theule Lubienski. Educators should stress understanding and mathematical reasoning over rote memorization to better serve such students. Educational Leadership (11/2007)
Help minorities succeed in upper-level math
Despite their holding positive views of math in elementary years, few Hispanic or black students wind up in upper-level high school math classes, according to several studies. Columbia University assistant math-education professor Erica N. Walker describes methods educators can use to encourage more minority students to enroll in trigonometry and calculus courses. Educational Leadership (11/2007)
Online math resources for teachers and students
Looking for new ways to inspire your students? Check out these online resources:
Lesson plan ideas
Books, articles and other ASCD resources
The ASCD offers many resources especially for math educators:
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