Making Mathematics Meaningful for Students with Learning Problems: Powerful Teaching Strategies that Work : Making Mathematics Meaningful for Students with Learning Problems: Powerful Teaching Strategies that Work David Allsopp, Ph. D.
Department of Special Education
University of South Florida
dallsopp@tempest.coedu.usf.edu
Agenda : Agenda Introduction/Objectives
Topic #1: Importance of Meaning and Teacher Self-Reflection
Topic #2: Why Do Students with Learning Disabilities Have Difficulty Learning Mathematics
Topic # 3: Ten Powerful Teaching Techniques
Topic #4: Long-Term Professional Development: Introduction to MatheVIDS
Topic # 5: Questions/Discussion
Learning Objectives : Learning Objectives Self-relect on beliefs and preparedness to teach mathematics to students with learning disabilities.
Prioritize several important areas for long term professional development.
Identify learning characteristics that make learning mathematics difficult for students with learning disabilities.
Identify powerful/effective instructional strategies & determine how you can use at least one to improve mathematics learning for your students.
Learn about one resource, MathVIDS, and how to use it for my personal professional development goals.
Topic #1: Importance of Meaning & Teacher Self-Reflection : Topic #1: Importance of Meaning & Teacher Self-Reflection Meaning...
Why is meaning important?
Some examples
Slide 5 :
Conceptual Meaning : Conceptual Meaning
Can you explain your answer for each problem? : Can you explain your answer for each problem?
How can we enhance the meaning? : How can we enhance the meaning?
Use Language2 x 4 = ? two groups of four Nittany Lions is how many Lions1/2 x 1/4 = ? one-half of a one-fourth piece of pizza is how much pizza : Use Language2 x 4 = ? two groups of four Nittany Lions is how many Lions1/2 x 1/4 = ? one-half of a one-fourth piece of pizza is how much pizza
: Provide Concrete Experience
2 X 4 = ? two groups of four Nittany Lions is how many Lions
Provide Concrete Experiences1/2 x 1/4 = ? one-half of a one-fourth piece of pizza is how much pizza : Provide Concrete Experiences1/2 x 1/4 = ? one-half of a one-fourth piece of pizza is how much pizza
Slide 12 : What is...
4+2+4+4+3+3+5+4+4 ? Contextual Meaning
Contextual Meaning : Contextual Meaning Solution:
3 under par! (Golf)
Meaning and Disability : Write a title for a short story you might write for the following picture... Meaning and Disability
Slide 15 :
Write Your Title : Write Your Title
One thing I would like to remember from the learning activities for this topic is... ? : One thing I would like to remember from the learning activities for this topic is... ?
Topic #2: Why is it Difficult for Students with Learning Disabilities to Learn Mathematics? : Brief reflection on what learning problems feel like
7 Learning Characteristics That Are Barriers for Learning Mathematics Topic #2: Why is it Difficult for Students with Learning Disabilities to Learn Mathematics?
Let’s Take A Quiz : Let’s Take A Quiz Informal Mathematics Teacher
Competency Inventory
Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. : Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract.
Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. : Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. Don’t Be Last!
Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. : Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. FASTER!
Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. : Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. FASTER!!
Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. : Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. FASTER!!!
Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. : Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. 98%
Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. : Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. Work it Baby!!
Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. : Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. Just Harder!!! Try
Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. : Lets Take a Quiz!!Directions: Solve the following basic facts. You have 1 minute to complete this quiz. Please remember that the + symbol means multiply, the - symbol means divide, the ÷ symbol means add, and the x symbol means subtract. The Last Group
Was FASTER!
7 Learning Characteristics That Create Barriers for Learning Mathematics : 7 Learning Characteristics That Create Barriers for Learning Mathematics ?Learned helplessness
?Passive approach to learning
?Metacognitive thinking deficits
?Attention problems
?Anxiety about learning mathematics
?Cognitive Processing deficits (auditory, visual/spatial, fine motor)
?Memory problems (nickname test)
?Low level of academic achievement (gaps) (piglatin word problem)
Let’s Reflect On Our Experiences with the Math Quiz : Let’s Reflect On Our Experiences with the Math Quiz ?Learned helplessness
?Passive approach to learning
?Metacognitive thinking deficits
?Attention problems
?Anxiety about learning mathematics
What is it?
How does it impact learning mathematics?
Memory Problems : Memory Problems Storage
Retrieval
Do you know the nicknames?Directions: Write these university names on a sheet of paper : Do you know the nicknames?Directions: Write these university names on a sheet of paper Penn State
Pittsburgh
Bucknell
Penn
Ohio State
Michigan
Mississippi State
Mississippi
Florida
Florida State
Furman
Idaho
Northern Arizona
Ferrum
James Madison
The National College Nickname Memory Test : The National College Nickname Memory Test Using your list of school names, write the nickname for each school name given orally.
The National College Nickname Memory Test - Answers : The National College Nickname Memory Test - Answers Penn State Nittany Lions
Pittsburgh Panthers
Bucknell Bison
Penn Quakers
Ohio State Buckeyes
Michigan Wolverines
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Mississippi Rebels
Florida Gators
Florida State Seminoles
Furman Paladins
Idaho Vandals
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
Ferrum Panthers
James Madison Dukes
Reflection: Your Experiences : Reflection: Your Experiences How many nicknames were you able to recall?
What either helped or inhibited your ability to recall the nicknames?
What role does memory play in doing mathematics?
Multi-step operations
Multiple meanings for a math symbol or term
Recalling formulas
Employing problem solving strategies
One thing I would like to remember from the learning activities in Topic #2 is... ? : One thing I would like to remember from the learning activities in Topic #2 is... ?
Topic #3 Ten Powerful Teaching Techniques : Topic #3 Ten Powerful Teaching Techniques What are they?
Key instructional features
Examples
How do they help students with learning disabilities?
10 Powerful Teaching Techniques : 10 Powerful Teaching Techniques 1) Support Student Connections Between New Mathematics Concepts & Prior Knowledge/Experiences
2) Provide Explicit Models of Target Mathematics Concepts, Skills, & Processes
3) Imbed Instruction and Practice in Authentic Contexts
4) Teach Problem Solving Strategies
5) Cue Important Features of a Mathematics Concept/Skill Using Multisensory Methods
6) Use Language Experiences to Enhance Meaning & Understanding
7)Ground Abstract Concepts & Processes in Concrete Experiences
8) Provide Students Many Opportunities to Respond
9) Monitor Student Learning & Provide Them Concrete Ways to Visualize Their Learning
10)Provide Continuous Maintenance Activities for Previously Mastered Concepts/Skills
PTT #1: Support Student Connections Between New Mathematics Concepts & Prior Knowledge/Experiences : PTT #1: Support Student Connections Between New Mathematics Concepts & Prior Knowledge/Experiences Where we are
Where our students are
Meet Your Students Where They Are... : Meet Your Students Where They Are... L - I - P
L ink to prior knowledge/previous experiences.
I dentify what students will learn.
P rovide meaning/rationale.
Slide 41 : Where we are Where our students are L I P
PTT #2:Provide Explicit Models of Target Mathematics Concepts, Skills, & Processes : PTT #2:Provide Explicit Models of Target Mathematics Concepts, Skills, & Processes “You can’t hit what you can’t see...” Student Mathematics Concept
Make the mathematics concept accessible to your students by... : Make the mathematics concept accessible to your students by... Multiple Senses
Cue Important Information
Examples & Non-examples
Think Aloud
Engage Student Thinking Student Teacher
PTT #3:Imbed Instruction and Practice in Authentic Contexts : PTT #3:Imbed Instruction and Practice in Authentic Contexts Age/Grade
Interests/Hobbies
Family/Culture
Student Interest Inventory
Student Interest Matrix (See Special Connections Website) : Student Interest Matrix (See Special Connections Website)
Mathematics Class Interest Matrix(see Special Connections Website) : Mathematics Class Interest Matrix(see Special Connections Website)
PTT # 4:Teach Problem Solving Strategies : PTT # 4:Teach Problem Solving Strategies ?Students with learning disabilities do not naturally employ problem solving strategies like successful mathematics students do...
What Are They? : What Are They? An efficient & learnable process for:
1) solving a particular type of problem
2) developing conceptual understanding of important mathematics concepts
What do they include?
limited number of steps (3 to 7 steps)
accurately reflect the problem/concept
provide cueing
actions & thinking
they are taught
Strategy Examples : Strategy Examples
Mnemonic Strategies : Mnemonic Strategies Examples:
DRAW-operations
FASTDRAW- story problems
SPIES - greater than/less than
ADD - adding + & - integers
DRAW for Algebra - one-variable equations
FASTDRAW for Algebra - algebra story problems
(See MathVIDS for these and others)
DRAW for Algebra : DRAW for Algebra D iscover the variable
R ead the problem
A nswer the problem or draw & check
W rite the answer
SPIES : SPIES S ay the integer out loud.
P oint to each integer and circle negative signs.
I dentify whether integer is pos. or neg.
E valuate the magnitude of each integer.
S elect integer of greatest value.
Rules of Value
+ & - = positive integer is of greater value
+ & + = integer farthest from zero on #line is of greatest value
- & - = integer closest to zero on # line is of greatest value
Example: Chart to Help Students Generate Problem-Solving Strategies : Example: Chart to Help Students Generate Problem-Solving Strategies
Example: Helping Students Think About/Monitor Their Use of Different Strategies : Example: Helping Students Think About/Monitor Their Use of Different Strategies
PPT # 5:Cue Important Features of a Mathematics Concept/Skill Using Multisensory Methods : PPT # 5:Cue Important Features of a Mathematics Concept/Skill Using Multisensory Methods Visual
Auditory
Tactile (Touch)
Kinesthetic (Movement)
Cognitive/Thinking
Examples of Visual Cuing : Examples of Visual Cuing color
words/language
pictures
cue sheets
1/2 = one of two equal parts
Example: Cue Sheet to Enhance A Student’s Independent Practice : Example: Cue Sheet to Enhance A Student’s Independent Practice
PPT # 6:Use Language Experiences to Enhance Meaning & Understanding : PPT # 6:Use Language Experiences to Enhance Meaning & Understanding Incorporate the following language expression modalities:
Speech
Writing
Drawing
Acting Out/Drama
Song
Videotape, phoography/technology
How? : How?
Examples - Describe what numbers & symbols mean: : Examples - Describe what numbers & symbols mean: Describe what numbers & symbols mean:
1/2 x 1/4 = 1/8
one-half of one-fourth is one-eighth
1/2 ÷ 4 = 1/8
Examples: Create Stories/Examples That Communicate Understanding : Examples: Create Stories/Examples That Communicate Understanding Example: Intersect of x & y coordinates on a plane.
Speech/Words - The place on the football field where the Bucs kickoff.
Drawing: (x, y) where x=15 & y = 0; x=-15 & y=0
PTT # 7Ground Abstract Concepts & Processes in Concrete Experiences : PTT # 7Ground Abstract Concepts & Processes in Concrete Experiences Manipulatives
Teach Drawing Strategies
Manipulative Examples (Discrete): : Manipulative Examples (Discrete): Attributes more “accessible”
Can be “manipulated” more easily
Teach Drawing Strategies : Teach Drawing Strategies Start with concrete experiences
Move to drawing representations of concrete experiences
Drawing Example: : Drawing Example: 3x + 4 = 16
x = 4
Other Drawing Examples(see MathVIDS website) : Other Drawing Examples(see MathVIDS website)
Enhancing Abstract Understanding : Enhancing Abstract Understanding Reasons for DifficultyLack of conceptual understandingMemory problemsOrganization/writing/visual processing problems
Provide Many Practice Opportunities/Link to concrete & drawing experiences! MASTERY
PTT # 8:Provide Students Many Opportunities to Respond : PTT # 8:Provide Students Many Opportunities to Respond The more opportunities students with learning disabilities have to respond to a learning task, the more likely it is they will master that learning task...
How? : How? Ensure that...
students have a motivational context
the practice activity focuses on the target math concept/skill
students have multiple opportunities to respond
teachers have a way to evaluate student responses
Examples
Instructional Games
Self-correcting Materials
Structured Peer-Mediated Learning Groups
Structured Language Experiences
Planned Discovery Experiences
Math Instructional Games/Self-Correcting Materials - A Few Ideas : Math Instructional Games/Self-Correcting Materials - A Few Ideas (See MathVIDS for more ideas)
PPT # 9:Monitor Student Learning & Provide Them Concrete Ways to Visualize Their Learning : PPT # 9:Monitor Student Learning & Provide Them Concrete Ways to Visualize Their Learning At least 2-3 times weekly
Incorporate at concrete, drawing & abstract levels
Use short, easy to evaluate “probes”
Pinpoint key concepts for monitoring
Teach students to chart their learning
Use as a way to engage students in setting learning goals
CELEBRATE SUCCESS!!
How? : How?
Examples : Examples Abstract Level
Probe/Curriculum Slice
“goal line” : “goal line” Visual Display
“corrects”
“incorrects”
What does this learning
picture show?
Learning Picture Example: Student Use of Strategies : Learning Picture Example: Student Use of Strategies
PTT # 10:Provide Continuous Maintenance Activities for Previously Mastered Concepts/Skills : PTT # 10:Provide Continuous Maintenance Activities for Previously Mastered Concepts/Skills Purposefully plan maintenance opportunities
Emphasize foundational concepts for the mathematics curriculum you teach
Make sure target maintenance concepts are ones students have previously mastered
Vary the type of activities
Avoid “drill & practice”
Include students in developing ideas for maintenance activities
Emphasize connections between abstract & concrete
Engage students in “talking/writing/drawing” about target maintenance concepts
One thing I would like to remember from the learning activities in Topic #3 is ... ? : One thing I would like to remember from the learning activities in Topic #3 is ... ?
Topic #4 Long-term Professional Development Resources : Topic #4 Long-term Professional Development Resources http://coe.jmu.edu/mathvidsr
The Learning Toolbox
http://coe.jmu.edu/learnngtoolbox
http://www.specialconnections.ku.edu/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/specconn/index.php
Topic#5: Questions/Discussion : Topic#5: Questions/Discussion ?