Putting together and taking apart 6. The teachers role in this program is moderately scripted. Even when the exact words that should be used are not given, there are explicit directions as to what to do next. Interestingly, this somewhat restrictive program for teachers is coupled to a complete discovery learning, constructivist philosophy student program. The program is dedicated to setting up ways in which students will be exposed to various situations and will develop their own strategies for doing things such as adding multidigit numbers.
Calculators are available at all times and are required for two of the eight units.
They find more than one solution to many of the problems they work on. They invent their own strategies and approaches rather than rely on memorized procedures. They choose a variety of concrete materials and appropriate technology, including calculators, as a natural part of their everyday mathematical work. They work in a variety of groupings - as a whole class, individually, in pairs, and in small groups. They move around the classroom as they explore the mathematics in their environment and talk with their peers.