http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/education futures/2016/04/math education should focus on visua
Is research says.htm!
Math Education Should Focus on
Visuals, Research Says
By Matthew Lynch on April 14, 2016 6:14 AM | No com
There is new evidence on how the brain functions when we think about
mathematics that could alter the way the subject is taught in K-12 and higher education
classrooms. According to Youcubed.org at Stanford University, the new paper,
‘SEEING AS UNDERSTANDING: The Importance of Visual Mathematics for our Brain
and Learning," supports the use of visual mathematics. The paper explains developing
finger discrimination in students is crucial for the development of the brain and long-
term success in math.
Think about how we learn math. Our brains actually visualize a representation of fingers
when we solve problems, even if we don't count on our actual fingers. Training people
on ways to perceive their own fingers results in higher math achievement, according to
co-author Dr. Jo Boaler, professor of mathematics education at Stanford Graduate
‘School of Education and the co-founder of youcubed.org, Stanford's center
that provides resources for teaching and learning mathematics.
Dr. Boaler says that schools don't know about this brain research, so many won't allow
students to use their fingers to count while doing math. The latest research suggestions
that by not allowing students to count on their fingers, we actually halt their
mathematical development.
‘The paper explains that parents and educators can work in unity to combat the issues
surrounding math instruction in the classroom, and provides resources to help
strengthen the visual pathways in their brains and achieve at higher levels of
mathematics. The
Some ways this can be done is through using visuals, providing the opportunity for
students to use drawing and visualizations in mathematics, asking students how theysee mathematical ideas, and allowing students to represent mathematical ideas in a
variety of ways (pictures, graphs, etc.)
Dr. Boaler explains that visual math helps students at any level develop a further
understanding of the subject.
The authors also place a sense of urgency on the need to change the ways math is.
taught to students to support and encourage them to function well in society.
‘When today's students are in the workforce, these skills will be essential to have. All
jobs in modern society require employees to see data patterns visually.
| appreciate the urgency the authors place on changing the way math is taught to
students. | hope parents and teachers utilize the provided resources to lead students
to greater success in mathematics.