EDU431 METHODS OF TEACHING MATHEMATICS

AND SCIENCE IN THE PRIMARY/JUNIOR

GRADES

Required reading I: Analysis and Reflection.

Title: Elementary School Mathematics Priorities
CITATION: Wilson, Stephen. Elementary School Mathematics Priorities
ABSTRACT:
Early elementary school mathematics is the
same for all students because these students
should have all career options open to them.
The system must not fail to offer opportunity
to all students. Basics are for everyone.

ANALYSIS/REFLECTION:
I found his fifth step on problem solving very
interesting as I feel like it is a skill which
many children are lacking. Students need to
find ways to solve their problems on their
own and most of the time they always look
for someone else to solve their problem. In
many cases I have seen students struggle
with solving the most basic problems such as,
when my pencil dulls I should sharpen it
instead of asking the teacher what I should
do to continue my work. Students need to be
able to read a problem, unstained it and
then provide a solution on their own. Math
word problems I feel are an excellent way
for students to take the math they are
learning and create real world solutions to
these problems. It also helps the teacher
with answering the age old question why
are we learning this because word problems
provide scenarios where this math can be
applied.