Teaching Math to Struggling Students

 

When using math manipulatives with students who have disabilities, select manipulatives that are connected to the concept and to students' developmental level, as well as incorporating a variety of manipulatives, verbal explanations (student and teacher-led), and programming for instructional transitions from concrete to symbolic representation.

 

Real-World Application and Problem Solving

 

In relation to teaching and activating conceptual knowledge, some authorities have suggested contextualizing information in a "real world" context. Embedding the problemsolving information within a real-world context helps students activate their conceptual knowledge when presented with a real-life problem-solving situation (Gagne, Yekovich, & Yekovich, 1993) and improves student motivation, participation, and generalization (Polloway & Patton, 1997). As Mercer, Jordan, and Miller (1994) stated, "If mathematical content is to be relevant to learning, it is imperative that it be presented in a real world context.

 

 

 

 

 

7 Musts for using Math Manipulatives - from Marilyn Burns

 

 

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