The Importance of Mathematical Practices

[@julieking7829]

Thank you for pointing out the distinction between word problems and real world problem solving. Many educators tend to use these terms synonymously missing opportunities to engage students in everyday situations that we as adults take for granted.

[@wernermath]

Thanks for these videos; they are helping me understand the new standards. You say that students should learn to use technology strategically, but that technology shouldn't "do the math." As a high school math teacher, I would love for the standards to be more specific about this. It is certainly not possible/necessary to do everything by hand anymore, but where do we draw the line? For example, should we still teach students to factor polynomials using the Rational Roots Theorem? Colleen

[@apeleducators]

A+PEL will be giving training sessions on the Common Core in Louisiana. Be sure to visit our website, facebook, and youtube channel to view our sessions.

[@ilirdor]

What is the purpose of these mathematical practices? Can they be in any way helpful? These standards are good habits of mind practiced by mathematicians and, to some degree, good students and teachers. For those that already have these habits, the practices are no news.The issue is that they are wrongly perceived as cause, when they are effect, consequence of understanding through PS. Important thing is that those that don't have that kind of understanding at least can get excited. Ridiculous!

[@JParkerAdair]

You answered the question in your complaint. The practices are an indicator of learning. Are these things happening for the student? Why not? Help them learn it then check again. More importantly, they are a sign of mathematical thinking. The entire point of CCSSM is to help students learn how to look at a completely foreign problem and work out a solution. It's about a pragmatic approach rather than a defeatist attitude. Hope you've grown in the past three years.