5 Ways to Improve Mathematical Literacy

 When I was in school, they didn't worry if we were not mathematically literate.  They were more concerned with following the process to arrive at answers.  They didn't care if you understood the concepts behind solving equations.

In recent years, there has been a move towards having students read about the concepts, write about the concepts and be able to display visual representations of the concepts.

There are so many ways to have students read, write, discuss, and represent mathematical concepts so they are mathematically literate.  I include discussion because it's important for students to express their thoughts verbally.

1.  Have students work a problem from their homework or from an assignment.  Give them a chance to explain their way of solving it to others.  Many teachers will ask students to do this on the board in front of people but some students are extremely shy.  This is when something like Flipgrid comes in handy because students can record themselves explain the problem while not feeling as if they are singled out.  This can also be done via a voice over animation or other creative way.

2. Have students explain a problem they answered incorrectly.  Have them show exactly where they made the mistake, what they should have done, and rework the problem till they get the correct answer.  They can also take time to explain why they made the mistake.  This can be done via Flipgrid or via a voice over. 

3. Let students create quizzes and answer keys based on the current material using any number of quiz making software.  The teacher can arrange to administer a quiz made from student quizzes to administer to everyone, or assign students into pairs and they can take each other's quiz.

4. Have students create a video explaining the current concept as if it would be posted to Youtube so others could watch it and learn.  This type of activity requires that students plan what they will say and how they will cover the material.

5. Have student answer a question on an exit ticket using a QR code to convey the information  or provide a quick answer via email or answer on google classroom.  In the exit ticket they can explain why they need to do something, or reflect on something from the day's lesson.

These are 5 digital ways to improve mathematical literacy in the classroom.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.