Methods__Mathematics

Methods/ Mathematics Northern Caribbean University College of Education and Religion Department of Education MTED 201: Primary Mathematics Methods Factors that influence how children learn Psychological influences Professional influences Technological influences Language influences Societal influences Research influences Psychological influences: The essence of this theory is students construct their own understanding of math ideas (by interacting with physical models of these ideas). Professional influences: Its emphasis is back to the basics, the 3 R’s were emphasized (reading, writing, and arithmetic). Technological Influences: In the math class there should be at least a calculator. Language influences: Language is a part of the whole thinking process. Students verbalize, it is used in problem solving, and relationships are formed. Societal influences: A number of societal factors influence decisions made by the government in classes, telling what is to be taught. Research influences: Research is very important, because it can help us understand what to teach, when, and how to teach. Teachers should keep abreast with journals and visit seminars. How do students learn mathematics' Cognitivist/constructivist approach (Mental discipline theory of the 19th century) Behaviourist Learning Theories Research on learning theories impacted how math was (and is) taught. Predominant in the 19th century was mental discipline. (Math is an area where mental discipline can be very effective). Two theories (in recent times) Behaviorist Cognitivist/ Constructivist Behaviorist Came math, students, teacher, problem, plan, evaluation, classroom, should, mathematics, work, student, class, test, teachers, must, planning, space, skills, process, observation, learning, equipment, calculators, activities, yearly, teaching, success, student’s, solving, progress, mathematical, materials, make, facilities, assessment