THAIHOA NGUYEN

MIAA 350: Mathematics Instruction:

Content, Representations and Theories

November 22, 2014

Bridging the Math Gap

by J. Matt Switzer
Knowing both the content and matter in which students learn math in
elementary school can help teachers bridge the gap between elementary
school and middle school (and then high school) math.
Middle school students have in math do not connect to what they
experience in elementary school.
School structure and other factors can inhabit communication between
elementary school and middle school teachers regarding how and what
math that students have learned in elementary school.
Teachers need to be familiar with students prior knowledge, in terms of
both what and how they have learned.

WHAT WE LEARNED IN ELEMENTARY

1.Addition
2.Subtraction
3.Multiplication
4.Division with whole numbers
5.Used flashcards
6.Time Tests
7.Activities sheets to learn and practice the traditional algorithms
8.Learning acronyms to remember how to do long division and
other forms of computation

Why is it important to know these algorithms?

Becoming familiar with, and understanding algorithms are important
first steps in the process.
Need to understand these algorithms so they can build on what
students know as they transition into computation involving decimals
and algebraic expressions and equations.
Effective teaching requires building on students prior knowledge,
thus provide opportunities to design instruction that builds on their
prior knowledge.

Why alternative algorithm?

It can help students develop a strong conceptual understanding of operation,
number, and place value that are often masked by the use of traditional algorithms.
If students understand the alternative algorithm, their transition to the efficient
traditional algorithms will be easier.
Dont focus on just computational algorithms such as add and subtract but
encouraged students invent their own strategies for solving problems and discuss
why those strategies work.
When taught for understanding it can provides connections among mathematical
ideas that helps students reason mathematically.
Learning with understanding can help students better apply ideas to numbers
beyond whole numbers and provide connections to the algebraic reasoning they
will do in future math classes.

EXAMPLES OF ALTERNATIVE ALGORITHMS

Partial-Sums Algorithm

Partial Product Algorithm

268
+483
_______
600
1. Add 100s
140
2. Add 10s
11
3. Add 1s
_______
4. Add partial sums
751

67
x 53
_______
50 x 60 3000
50 x 7
350
3 x 60
180
3x7
21
_______
3551

Vertical:
Partial product, or expanded algorithm for
multidigit multiplication. When using partialproduct algorithms.

Horizontal:
Normally will be done in algebra is written in
expanded form. Now using distributed
property.

Arrangement of algebra tiles represent the multiplication of binomials.

REFLECTION