Standards for Mathematical Practices - One Standard at a Time

Mathematical Practices are embedded in every math lesson we teach.  The Standards for Mathematical Practice describe varieties of expertise that math educators at all levels (K-12) should seek to develop in their students.  These practices rest on important "processes and proficiencies" with longstanding importance in mathematics education.  

Mathematical Practice #1

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

What should students be able to do?

• Interpret and make meaning of the problem to find a starting point.  Analyze what is given in order to explain to themselves the meaning of the problem.
• Plan a solution pathway instead of jumping to a solution.
• Monitor their progress and change the approach if necessary.
• See relationships between various representations.
• Relate current situations to concepts or skills previously learned and connect mathematical ideas to one another.
• Continually ask themselves, "Does this make sense?"  Can understand various approaches to solutions.

Questions the Teacher Can Ask to Develop Mathematical Thinking:

• How would you describe the problem in your own words?
• How would you describe what you are trying to find?
• What do you notice about...?
• Describe the relationship between the quantities.
• Describe what you have already tried.  What might you change?
• Talk me through the steps you've used to this point.
• What steps in the process are you most confident about?
• What are some other strategies you might try?
• What are some other problems that are similar to this one?
• How might you use one of your previous problems to help you begin?
• How else might you organize...represent...show...?

Check back next week for Mathematical Practice #2