But it's not good enough anymore to just memorize - students need to understand the concept. They will gain the more complex skills of estimating and doing mental math. They will investigate, solve problems, use technology and other resources, think critically and apply what they learn to other subjects and to real-life situations. Problem solving is the focus of the whole math program. After all, the reason we learn math in the first place is to allow us to solve problems in real life.
Students explore and investigate to discover math concepts and solve problems.
They talk and write about math, explaining their problem solving strategies and solutions to others. Students use words, graphs, diagrams, equations, tables and charts to explain their math work. In their work, students use math tools - rulers, compasses, protractors, calculators, computers and other technology. Students use concrete objects - anything from blocks and beans to interlocking cubes and geoboards. Teachers use textbooks, resource books, computer software, newspapers, picture books and other resources to help students learn math.