Summary of Math Discussion
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Summary of Math Discussion
The discussion focused on participants’ sharing resources, tools, strategies and interventions related to teaching math for the GED, working with individuals who have learning disabilities, and working with math anxiety in testing. In addition to providing a list of questions to consider in preparation for the discussion, the discussion guest, Myrna Manly, provided a series of resources that prompted comments and further sharing from subscribers. People discussed both print and web resources available for teaching math, as well as described some activities and strategies that they employ in particular situations.
Some of the themes related to math and confidence included an analogy to learning how to (or teaching someone to) swim, and the notions of learned helplessness and learned anxieties.
Discussion participants suggested strategies including the use of journaling, manipulatives, and realia as methods for building confidence in math and developing activities.
Myrna asked subscribers what they thought about the national focus on lower level computation skills and number procedures, and participants noted that they felt this was due to both program methodology as well as the math assessments available at this time.
Another participant raised the point that the NCTM Standards (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) were generally accepted by ANN (Adult Numeracy Network) and followed by the EMPower curriculum, but questioned whether we have any tests/assessments that fit with these standards at the ABE level, and if not, what the consequences of this might be. Myrna responded that there is indeed a paucity of assessments, and those that exist presently narrow the scope of math.
