Improving Students

1
Improving Students Critical-Thinking
Skills through
Mathematical Inquiry

• Pamela Norris

2
What is critical thinking?
3
Attributes of a critical thinker

• asks pertinent questions
• assesses statements and arguments
• is able to admit a lack of understanding or
  information
• has a sense of curiosity
• is interested in finding new solutions
• listens carefully to others and is able to give
  feedback

4
Attributes of a critical thinker(cont.)

• looks for evidence to support assumptions and
  beliefs
• is able to adjust opinions when new facts are
  found
• looks for proof
• examines problems closely
• is able to reject information that is incorrect
  or irrelevant
• (Ferret, S. Peak Performance, 1997)

5

• HOW?

6
CLASSROOM ROUTINES
7

• Math Journals

8
Math Journal Rubric
Correct answer Draws picture to show answer Writes an explanation of answer
Correct answer Draws picture to show answer OR writes an explanation of answer
Correct answer only
Uh oh! I need more think time.
9

• Snip it stick it

10
Solve

• Ted has 38 pieces of candy. He has 4 friends.
  If each friend gets the same amount, how many
  will each friend have? Will there be any left
  over?

11

• Magic Number

12

• Literature

13

• Card Games

14

• Daily Data
• Graphs

15

• Calendar

16

• Lunch Order
• Wheel

17

• How Many Pockets?

18

• Estimation
• Station

19
WHY?
20
Principles for School Mathematics
Equity PrincipleTeaching PrincipleLearning
PrincipleAssessment Principle
21
Equity Principle

• Excellence in mathematics education requires
  equity-high expectations and strong support for
  all students.

22
Teaching Principle

• Effective mathematics teaching requires
  understanding what students know and need to
  learn and then challenging and supporting them to
  learn it well.

23
Learning Principle

• Students must learn mathematics with
  understanding, actively building new knowledge
  from experience and prior knowledge.

24
Assessment Principle

• Assessment should support the learning of
  important mathematics and furnish useful
  information to both teachers and students.

25

• Share Reflect