How to Compare Math Lesson Plans

Use an effective lesson plan for teaching math skills.

Mathematical knowledge is an important concept for succeeding in life. Basic math skills are used every day in routine life activities. Therefore, the method by which teachers use to teach math must be designed to ensure learner success. Unfortunately, not all math lessons lead to a deeper understanding of math skills. Educators should compare math lesson plans before teaching to give students the best opportunities for learning.

Instructions

1. Check to ensure that the lesson plans create a strong connection between new information and information that the students gathered in previous lessons. It is important that math lessons build on concepts.

2. Assess the plans for meaning. Students need to see a purpose for the math concept. Math lessons should tie the mathematical skill to a real-life situation. For example, purchasing items and calculating sales tax can easily be identified with addition and percentages.

3. Compare the lesson plan layouts for progression, from concrete to abstract ideas. Learning concepts in a concrete form, such as through hands-on activities or visuals, enhances the understanding when abstract ideas are expected. It is much more appropriate to begin learning an idea such as subtraction by moving blocks rather than mental computation.

4. Evaluate teaching formats of the lesson plans. Math concepts are better learned when teacher modeling comes first, followed by teacher-facilitated activities. Students should work independently after modeling and facilitated learning is mastered. Keep in mind that the best three-step format entails the teacher giving instructions, then the whole class working on examples with the teacher's guidance and then independent student practice.

5. Find a lesson plan that offers ideas or activities for remediation and advancement. Not all students will learn a math concept from one lesson at the same time. Compare lesson plans to see if either offers additional opportunities for students to learn or move beyond the skill. The remediation will offer other ways to teach the concept and additional activities to reinforce the lesson for those who did not learn it the first time. Likewise, a good math lesson plan will offer ways for advanced students to expand the skill or concept to a higher level of thinking.

References

• Morris: Faculty Pages
• National Association of Math Circles: Creating Lesson Plans
• IAE-Pedia: Good Math Lesson Plans