Explicit Instruction versus Direct Instruction

Teaching Mathematics | 0 comments

There is a lot of talk about using explicit instruction in mathematics, and I think it often gets confused with direct instruction. I’m Christina Tondevold, the recovering traditionalist, and today we’re going to take a look at explicit instruction versus...

Finding the Balance Between Rich Tasks & Routine Problems

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Do you ever wonder how much time you should spend on in-depth rich math tasks versus how much time you spend on routine practice math problems?  Well, I’m Christina Tondevold and I hope you’ll stick around, because today, we’re going to talk...

Fun And Educational Gifts That Build Math Minds

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So a few years ago, my mom shared with me this idea around only getting your kids four things at Christmas. It includes something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.  Now, I’ve always wondered why something to read? Why not...

Assessing Math Proficiency: Standards Based Grading

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So there has been a shift in the last 10 or so years to a new way of grading. But so many people still don’t know about it. I’m Christina Tondevold, The Recovering Traditionalist and I hope you stick around as we look at assessing math proficiency using...

Assessing Math Proficiency: Does the type of math problem you use matter

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So in this series about assessing math proficiency, I’ve already asked you to consider the number of problems that you are giving students when you are assessing them. Today, I would like you to consider the type of math problems you are giving them. I’m...

Assessing Math Proficiency How many math problems should kids get?

Teaching Mathematics | 0 comments

So we’ve all seen them, and we’ve probably all used them. These two kinds of extreme examples of practice activities and worksheets that we give kids where we have a ton of problems that we’re having them practice or we just have a couple. I’m...

How to Help Students Struggling with Mathematics: The 5 Whys in Education

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So lately, I’ve been getting quite a few questions about how to help struggling students. Now, these are the students that are seen as “behind” or “not getting it.”  Over a week ago, I offered a free webinar, and during the Q&A portion of that webinar, there...