4th Grade Math
I feel that all of the math standards involve critical
thinking. Students are constantly making decisions they must be able to support
with their answers. They must find the best way to represent their findings.
Not only must they check their reasoning for finding an answer, but they must
also critique other students’ answers. They must be able to determine whether
answers make sense. This is an important skill when it comes to critical
thinking.
One
particular standard that stuck out to me was:
MCC4.MD.3
Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real world and
mathematical problems. For example, find the width of a rectangular room given
the area of the flooring and the length, by viewing the area formula as a
multiplication equation with an unknown factor.
Students must be able to understand finding area and
perimeter of shapes and apply those formulas to real world situations. Students
must be able to come up with situations that they may need to use these formulas
outside of school. To enhance those critical thinking skills, teachers could
have students actually use those situations to complete activities. One piece
of technology students could use to complete the example in the standard is
geometer’s sketchpad. This allows
students to create those shapes and layouts with their equations. The software can also be used with
interactive whiteboards for whole group activity. Does anyone have other pieces
of technology they have used with this type of standard before?
I agree with you about students critiquing their own answers as well as other student's answers. Students must have enough common sense as well as critical thinking skills to determine whether or not their answer makes sense in the context of the problem. When determining area or perimeter, students must understand that they can only have answers that are positive values. I truly hope that we as teachers can help to encourage and enable our students to think more critically!
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me how early students begin to develop their algebra skills (not a bad thing at all, just amazing!). Geometer's Sketchpad is an awesome tool, one that I didn't get introduced to until my graduate studies. Specifically, it is a great tool to help students develop exploratory skills as they relate to geometric relationships. The skill you describe is a great example of such a case.
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteNice job! Thank you for all your hard work on the blogs throughout the semester!