There has been a change from using the exact same resources and assessments to providing a variety of resources and assessments to see what they've learned. Furthermore, most of the methods used to teach in the past were based on the group in charge so in the past, teachers showed their way of solving problems as the only way but not everyone see's math in the same way. This sometimes put students at a disadvantage.
There may also be cultural differences in what method is chosen to teach students. For instance, in Japan, students learn to multiply using times tables while in the Philippines, students use finger multiplication. I remember in upper elementary/middle school, they had a method for multiplication that I just couldn't get so my father taught me the way he learned and to me, that made so much more sense.
When teachers draw on the student's prior knowledge, it helps them determine the best way to present the material to them. In addition, the use of collaboration is considered a good tool because it allows students to have their individual voices heard when they work with others.
Overall, the focus is on a classroom that allows equitable experiences for all students. It includes what one should look for in an equitable classroom, what it sounds like, and what it feels like. Some of the ideas include focusing on how students get the answer rather than focusing on the "right" answer, instructional time happens only after students are engaged, teachers ask students what they are thinking about, and they wait till the students ask for help rather than offering it.
I enjoyed the article as it made me think. Let me know what you think. Have a great day.
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