Using Multiple Representations in Middle School Math

Teaching for Understanding:  Why Using Multiple Representations is Essential for Math Learners.

 

A common belief held by many people is that math is difficult to learn.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  In fact, each of us is a mathematician, and all students have the ability to make substantial growth in math.  It is true, perhaps, that math could be very difficult to learn if all it is to students is an exercise in tedious memorization.  You see, math is about much more than learning algorithms and memorizing multiplication facts and formulas. 

MATH IS ABOUT THINKING.  

From infancy all children wonder about the world around them, seeking out answers to problems based on the information available to them at the time.  To help students grow as math thinkers, teachers and parents must get past thinking that memorizing math facts is enough.  To grow and excel in math, students must be challenged at the earliest ages - even before kindergarten - to think about math critically.  One of the best ways to help students develop this critical thinking ability is to expose them to multiple representations of mathematical concepts while challenging them to create representations of their own.

What would this look like for students in a middle school classroom?  Given that math is about thinking, we must accept that it is also about communicating our thinking - and about challenging our thinking and questioning our approaches to problems.  Consider the importance of these concepts in this brief video from Dan Meyer, doctoral fellow at Stanford University.



 

 

 



Recently, 8th grade math students at MSW were challenged to use multiple representations to analyze a non-linear pattern of growth.  Their teachers, Nikki Kelley and Denise Wolfe, wanted students to share their thinking as they examined one another's work.

 

"Students had to use various representations (tables, graphs, equations, pictures) to analyze a non-linear pattern of growth.  They had to make connections between the representations with the idea that given one they should be able to create the others.  The teams worked together to create the posters.  Then the teams went on a Gallery Walk to analyze the other teams' posters.  First they had to give feedback on the patterns the other teams created and critique the work the other teams produced.  Then they had to compare and contrast the work done by different class periods that had the same rule as them.  Overall the students should have a deeper understanding of multiple representations for algebraic problems."  ~ Nikki Kelley

 

Some examples of student work from the Gallery Walk:

 



 

One of the best indicators of a student's math understanding is his/her ability to explain their mathematical thinking.  As you sit down with your children to review their homework each night, ask them to explain their strategies for tackling problems.  You'll be surprised how much you know about math and about how impressive our students are!

 

 

What's Up at West?

• 11/26 - Winter Sports Pictures at 3:45pm
• 11/27 - Students return from Thanksgiving Break
• 11/29 - Coffee with Mr. Scruci (7:30-9am at Tim Horton's)
• 11/29 - 6th grade Strings w/LHS orchestra (7:30 pm at GMSW auditorium)
• 11/30 - Progress Reports Go Home
• 12/6 - PTO meeting (7pm in GMSW library)



RED RIBBON WEEK

GMSW Students Learn About the Dangers of Drugs

 

 

 

Spice. K2. Salvia. Bath Salts. Meth. X. Inhalents. Do you know about these drugs? If not, you should. Young people are being exposed to these street drugs earlier and earlier in their lives. In Ohio and across the country, the variety of drugs being offered on the street is exploding. Some even seem harmless. One looks like a clump of brown sugar, another like a child's multi-vitamin - complete with an imprint of a Transformer. Teens need information from caring, responsible adults about the dangers of drugs & alcohol if they are to understand the negative effects drugs have on one's life. As teachers and parents we must first understand what dangers these drugs pose before we can understand how to advise teens to make good choices about avoiding them. One thing is certain: Those who would push these products on children are not telling them the truth about the damage they can do.

During RED RIBBON Week at MSW, students had an opportunity to show their spirit and commit to following a drug and alcohol free lifestyle. Seventh and Eighth grade students had the opportunity to hear from retired Sergeant Mike Powell about the dangers of street drugs, including marijuana and alcohol. Sergeant Powell served in the Franklin County Sheriff's Office for over 32 years and now he continues to work as a public information specialist with Franklin County, conducting drug awareness training for students and parents all over the United States of America. Sgt. Powell was a supervisor with the FBI Drug Task Force here in Columbus. He is a member of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and is widely recognized as an expert on illegal drugs and their manufacture, sale, and impact on our society. He also happens to be a former GMSW Parent. We are excited to announce that we are planning a training for parents led by Mike sometime this winter. Look for more information coming soon. In the meantime, visit Operation:StreetSmart on Facebook.

Sergeant Mike Powell (Ret.) speaks with GMSW 8th graders about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.



What's Up at West?

• November 7th - MSW Skate Zone Party, sponsored by the GMSW PTO (6-8:30pm)
• November 8th - Early Release Day. Students dismissed at 2:10pm.
• November 8th - 7th & 8th grade strings rehearsal at GLHS Band Room (6:30-8:30pm)
• November 15th - MS & HS district orchestra concert (7:30pm @ LHS auditorium)
• November 19th - 8th grade district choir concert (7:30pm @ GLHS)
• November 21-23 - Thanksgiving Holiday. NO SCHOOL.
• November 26th - NO SCHOOL. Teacher In-Service Training.