Planning anchor tasks should begin with the Learning Target. Learning Targets are different from standards. Standards help inform teachers what their kids should be able to do AT THE END of the course. They can be broad, vague and too difficult... [Read more...]
Quick Tips for Teachers #101 – Teachers’ Blind Spots
Teachers who have strong content knowledge can be prone to thinking their student know more than they do. There's actually a name for this, it's called the "Expert blind spot." This is especially common in mathematics and can result in students... [Read more...]
Teaching and Learning Algebra #1 – What is Algebra and Why Should Everyone Learn It?
“Algebra is an in-depth study of the last three letters of the alphabet.” In my 18 years of teaching algebra, I can't count how many times I've heard this humorous definition of algebra. Yes, I always "courtesy chuckle," but honestly, hearing... [Read more...]
Jerome Bruner – A Singapore Mathematics Icon
If you were to walk into any math class in Singapore, you would most certainly see the teacher introducing new topics with concrete materials before moving on to more visual and abstract representations. You would also see them connecting those... [Read more...]
Singapore’s 3 Part Lesson Format – Overview
All math teachers have, or at least should have, a foundational structure to their lessons. A structure that they are very comfortable with and use almost daily. Of course good teachers vary their lessons and try interesting new things with... [Read more...]