How to Teach Basic Math Expressions & Equations
Using research-based teaching strategies is essential to obtaining mastery of basic math expressions and equations, starting with simple addition and subtraction. According to the U.S. Department of Education, mastery of basic math expressions and equations is essential to the mastery of higher level math, including algebra.
Mastery that includes a real understanding of the underlying concepts can lead to higher math achievement and greater educational and job opportunities.
Instructions
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Verify mastery of whole numbers. The U.S. Department of Education states that students should have a good understanding of whole numbers, including counting and ordering. Have students count and write numbers in order.
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Emphasize the underlying processes in math, rather than the formulas. Teaching the concepts first leads to improved math skills and accuracy in problem-solving once the computational steps are taught, according to the Peabody Reflector. The most important concept in equations is that they express equality. Both sides of the = sign are equal or balanced. Therefore, you can add to one side of the sign as along as you add equally to the other side of the sign.
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Teach basic addition and subtraction. Basic expressions, such as 3 + 1, and equations (3 + 1 = 4) should be first taught with manipulatives and number lines. Manipulatives are small objects, such as blocks or disks, that can be grouped and counted. Manipulatives provide a visual of the numbers being added or subtracted.
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Demonstrate multiple ways of solving basic expressions. According to the Peabody Reflector, when students learn multiple ways of solving the same problem and they are able to experiment with and compare methods, they achieve greater mastery. It also improves their ability to solve equations. For example, students could learn that, when adding three numbers, they could add any two number together that they want to and then add the third number to the answer. They could check simple addition problems by subtracting one of the numbers from the sum to get the other number.
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Encourage students to compare and contrast methods. The Peabody Reflector states that research shows letting students compare methods and decide for themselves which methods they prefer is an effective learning technique. Experimenting with two different methods of solving the same expression leads to increased accuracy in problem solving.
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Include real life problem-solving of equations. Once students have mastered the underlying concepts and the computational steps, they should practice solving real life problems involving math. For example, have students figure how long a set amount of lunch money would last, how many square feet are in their classroom or how many miles per gallon of gas a car got on a trip. Applying numbers to real life situations reinforces their learning and understanding of math.
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Use cooperative learning groups. The Best Evidence Encyclopedia reports small cooperative groups lead to greater learning in math, according to research. It states that the best group learning is achieved when all members of the group interact and learn from each other and when each member is required to contribute in order to produce a final answer or assignment.
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References
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