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Could these both be the "right"answer?*
| Numbers, computations and
basic facts are still an important part of math proficiency. But the emphasis of math
needs to shift from rote memorization and drill to gaining critical thinking abilities. Why does this shift need to occur? We are in the midst of a massive technological revolution that has filtered down to even the youngest members of our society. Our world is becoming more and more complicated. Every day brings a multitude of complex issues and problems to solve. How do we prepare children to become competent problem solvers? First, by giving respect and encouragement for a variety of ideas, you can establish a climate that supports children as active learners. Such a classroom climate fosters exploration, allows deviation and mistakes that frequently result in critical thinking and learning. |
The goal of this approach is
that thinking becomes a process of identifying possible solutions and searching for
answers rather than just determining the correct answer. Math offers us many opportunities to assist children with this goal. Solving real problems allows children to find the deeper meaning within math. A meaningful math problem usually doesn't have just one right answer, but acknowledges the existence of different pathways to several solutions that are equally "right". Appropriate computer software can help you meet the challenges of designing a classroom environment conducive to the development of creative problem solving abilities |
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As educators, it is important for us to prepare children to be competent problem solvers-to define problems, explore solutions, and to acknowledge more than one "right" answer exists. |
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* The question was: "Which flowers would you pick to equal 30 petals in all?
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