Evidence Based Math Instruction Part 2.

This past Monday, we explored the first two strategies recommended for evidence based math instruction. Today, we'll look at the other two.  I love learning new things.  Friday, we'll look at a couple of activities to help teachers do a quick assessment.  

The third strategy is schema based instruction.  This is considered one of the most effective strategies to help students learn to do word problems.  This also helps students who struggle in math. 

The idea behind schema based instruction is to teach students to recognize patterns in word problems rather than key words.  There are two types of schema for word problems.  The first is additive which includes addition and subtraction type problems while the second is multiplicative which includes multiplication and division problems.  They use the way the word problem is written to identify which scheme it is.  Schema based instruction helps students identify the pattern so they can connect it to the best way to solve said problem.  Once they've identified if it is additive or multiplicative, they then use either a diagram or an equation to represent the information. 

Research indicates that students who have been taught using schema based instruction are more likely to be able to solve both familiar and new multistep problems.  Students are taught to identify the pattern by looking for unique features.  They are also taught the vocabulary associated with each type of schema.  In addition, students are taught how to represent the information in the problem visually and show multiple ways to solve the problem.

The last strategy is by using peer interaction where you pair students up to work together and discuss the math.  Working together might happen after they've completed independent practice, or during.  These discussions help students develop student mathematical language and vocabulary. In addition, the discussions can help them become more aware of problem solving via the way they solved it or how others solved it.  

It is important to teach students how to conduct peer-to-peer discussions.  Take time to establish class rules for these discussions and establish some prompts to help students get started.  Encourage students to compare the ways they solved the problem while contrasting their approaches.  

If you've never used any of these techniques, start with one until it becomes part of the routine.  If you can implement all of these, your students should do better.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.