In the
Weeds
A practitioner's perspective on math, education & change.
How to Teach Graphing
Reading graphs and extracting essential information has proven to be challenging for many. The global pandemic laid bare a widespread deficiency in graphical literacy among the general public, including undergraduate students. In this article we discuss the three relatively recent articles that stand out, dissecting graphing instruction and assessment and offering essential insights on cultivating graphing skills in students.
Teaching Data as Graphs
Graphical literacy can be broken down into component parts that can be measured. While there is research on existing knowledge and skills, there is a scarcity of research on effective teaching strategies to support the learning of graphical literacy skills.
Current State of Data Literacy
How data literate are adults? According to a study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are large knowledge gaps, revealing a need for improved data education, especially in the math classroom.
Using Worked Examples
Discover the impact of using worked examples in math education. Dive into a comprehensive meta-analysis that reveals how correct examples can boost students' math learning. Learn when and how to use these examples effectively to enhance procedural fluency and lay the foundation for conceptual knowledge. Explore the implications for the classroom and gain insights into optimizing math education. Find answers and unlock the potential of worked examples in mathematics.
Pretests for Learning?
Pretests can serve as an easy exploratory activity to activate prior knowledge, address knowledge gaps, and enhance learning outcomes.
The Forward Testing Effect
Testing improves future learning. The forward testing effect (FTE) phenomenon is an endorsement of using low-stakes quizzes in the classroom to improve future learning.
Illinois Developmental Education Reform Act (DERA) - Where are we 2 years in?
Illinois passed DERA the Developmental Education Reform Act in 2021. The end goal of this law is to maximize the probability that a student can complete a math and an English college level credit within two semesters. In this webinar, Kathleen talks about what she has learned and shares what works to make real progress in supporting students to achieve college credit
Math Anxiety in Undergraduate Students
College students with high math anxiety have lower math performance. Instructors can reduce students’ math anxiety with instructional supports discussed in this blog.
The Argument for Problem Solving First
Engaging students in problem solving before instruction increases learning of mathematics. Analyze the evidence from published studies and get ideas on how to incorporate this instructional approach in your own math classroom.
To Flip or Not to Flip the Math Classroom
An open-access meta-analysis suggests that the flipped classroom model is effective at improving student outcomes in introductory statistics. But, there are confounding factors that make us question whether it is worth the time and effort to fully flip a class. This research-to-practice blog reviews the article and provides ideas for maximizing student success while not overextending instructor effort with creating videos, activities, and more for the flipped classroom.