Answer to Question #212562 in Statistics and Probability for Sphesihle Zuma

Question

1. What are the advantages of using manipulative when teaching mathematics?

2.briefly discuss what learners' mathematical thinking involves? How can you, as the teacher, support learners to express and clarify their own thinking.

Answer 1

1. Manipulatives are essential for students to deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts. It allows students to visually represent their understanding. From personal experience, all students can benefit from the use of manipulatives but it is sometimes necessary for struggling students to develop a conceptual understanding. Manipulative materials are concrete models involving mathematical concepts that appeal to several senses including being touched and moved around by the student. Using manipulative materials in teaching can help students learn how to relate real world applications and situations to mathematics. He also explains the benefit of manipulatives as it allows students to collaborate together, discuss mathematical ideas and help to explain their mathematical thinking. Manipulative usage have been shown to improve student’s attitude towards mathematics including increasing engagement . Students using manipulatives in a geometry investigation where were interested, engaged and developed more skills than students not using manipulatives. Allen (2007) found that manipulatives had a positive effect of student’s academic achievements as they were able to build a concrete understanding of the material by visualizing seeing the concept.

(2.)

1. Build confidence. More than two-thirds of respondents (68 percent) cited lack of confidence as a problem that prevents their students from succeeding in mathematics. 

2. Encourage questioning and make space for curiosity. Sixty-six percent of respondents said their best piece of advice for students looking to do well in math was to not only pay attention in class but also ask for clarification when they need to better understand something.

3. Emphasize conceptual understanding over procedure. Three out of four respondents (75 percent) emphasized that working hard to understand math concepts and when to apply them versus simply memorizing formulas is essential to doing well.

4. Provide authentic problems that increase students’ drive to engage with math. Sixty-three percent of participants pointed to students’ desire, initiative, and motivation to succeed in math as being critical, and the majority of them (80 percent) said that applying math to real-world problems helps increase both student interest and understanding.

5. Share positive attitudes about math. Teachers suggest that parents avoid talking negatively about math, and especially avoid saying that it is hard or useless (74 percent)—instead they should encourage their kids not to give up, and help them find math mentors when they’re not able to answer questions (71 percent).