Multiliteracy has become the buzzword in reading courses. Today's technology has changed literacy, but how has it changed math in the elementary school. Students are asked to have number sense, to be literate in how numbers are used. They have various tools they can use in order to move information from the concrete, representational, and abstract thinking. They have various diagrams and pictures to represent their thinking, Just like phonics builds upon itself to create a paragraph. Math also builds upon itself to build a solid foundation through each grade. If students can create a solid sense of numbers they can use previous strategies to transition to the next level. For example, addition must be learned before a student can learn subtraction. It's the opposite of addition. With multiplication, in its simplest form is repeated addition and division is conversely repeated subtraction. Being literate in these math languages helps students to understand multi digit multiplication, long division, area, and fractions. It helps to understand relationship between the numbers as you would do the same in understanding words and sentences. The Students also need to understand the concept of place value of how numbers are regrouped and why they are regrouped. Many students know the algorithm of how to solve the problem, but students are now expected to understand why it works.
In order to solve a problem, students have to be literate in various strategies of using tools and applying that knowledge to find an answer. Typically, the problem is a word problem in which they need read a question to figure out the operation, use the tools to figure out the answer coupled with their background knowledge and then write about how they got the answer. Students need to use their reading strategies to help them in math. The following question is from the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) practice test for third grade. As you can see, they have a lot of information to sort through to figure out the answer to the question. They also have to navigate the online tools as well. In this case, they can their visualization strategy from reading to help them picture what the question is asking. They don't use the key words "in all" or "how many more than." A direct algorithm would not help them determine the answer to the question but good number sense would.
Also in the SBAC testing, the Math Performance Task relies on the knowledge of obtaining and using data and applying it to various questions while navigating through various questions in an online format. The following link is an example of a third grade performance task in a direct format. The pencil paper test is a format that they are familiar with. The actual testing format has another facet to navigate as shown in the picture showing how they must be literate in the online testing format. The entire screen is split and all of the questions can't be seen. They have to learn how to go between two screens to retrieve the information and scroll down to see and answer all of the questions. Some questions ask them to answer the questions in word form to explain how they solved the problem. Both are the same types of sample tests for the same grade, but very different in its implementation.
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Grade_3_Mathematics_Sample_PT_Student_Worksheet_481905_7.pdf
I mentioned various tools to use. Some tools they can use are base ten blocks, unifix cubes, hundreds charts, and multiplication charts, and the notorious bar models. Even though these are not technologies, they are still tools that students use to explain how they solve the problem. I have many parents who ask me how to use a bar model. It's a way of modeling thinking and once you understand it, it's a great way to represent a comparison of numbers. Mathplayground.com is online website that helps to practice various ways to show your thinking through games. It even gives games to try using bar model. The one to try is Thinking Blocks at the link below. It shows how you must understand the relationship of labeling your thinking and how they are connected.
https://www.mathplayground.com/tb_addition_jr/index.html
MathPlayground is only one example. There are online tools that can also help students. Many math curriculum have virtual online manipulatives. They are also websites that help students with games to practice facts and modeling of thinking. Now I ask, is this the same math you learned as a child? I know I didn't. When I see the definition of literacy from A. Luke and Freebody (2000) as written by Anstey and Bull, "Literacy is the flexible and sustainable mastery of a repertoire of practices with the texts of traditional and new communications technology via spoken, print, and multitimedia," I have realize that math is now a new form of literacy.
In order to solve a problem, students have to be literate in various strategies of using tools and applying that knowledge to find an answer. Typically, the problem is a word problem in which they need read a question to figure out the operation, use the tools to figure out the answer coupled with their background knowledge and then write about how they got the answer. Students need to use their reading strategies to help them in math. The following question is from the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) practice test for third grade. As you can see, they have a lot of information to sort through to figure out the answer to the question. They also have to navigate the online tools as well. In this case, they can their visualization strategy from reading to help them picture what the question is asking. They don't use the key words "in all" or "how many more than." A direct algorithm would not help them determine the answer to the question but good number sense would.
Also in the SBAC testing, the Math Performance Task relies on the knowledge of obtaining and using data and applying it to various questions while navigating through various questions in an online format. The following link is an example of a third grade performance task in a direct format. The pencil paper test is a format that they are familiar with. The actual testing format has another facet to navigate as shown in the picture showing how they must be literate in the online testing format. The entire screen is split and all of the questions can't be seen. They have to learn how to go between two screens to retrieve the information and scroll down to see and answer all of the questions. Some questions ask them to answer the questions in word form to explain how they solved the problem. Both are the same types of sample tests for the same grade, but very different in its implementation.
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Grade_3_Mathematics_Sample_PT_Student_Worksheet_481905_7.pdf
I mentioned various tools to use. Some tools they can use are base ten blocks, unifix cubes, hundreds charts, and multiplication charts, and the notorious bar models. Even though these are not technologies, they are still tools that students use to explain how they solve the problem. I have many parents who ask me how to use a bar model. It's a way of modeling thinking and once you understand it, it's a great way to represent a comparison of numbers. Mathplayground.com is online website that helps to practice various ways to show your thinking through games. It even gives games to try using bar model. The one to try is Thinking Blocks at the link below. It shows how you must understand the relationship of labeling your thinking and how they are connected.
https://www.mathplayground.com/tb_addition_jr/index.html
MathPlayground is only one example. There are online tools that can also help students. Many math curriculum have virtual online manipulatives. They are also websites that help students with games to practice facts and modeling of thinking. Now I ask, is this the same math you learned as a child? I know I didn't. When I see the definition of literacy from A. Luke and Freebody (2000) as written by Anstey and Bull, "Literacy is the flexible and sustainable mastery of a repertoire of practices with the texts of traditional and new communications technology via spoken, print, and multitimedia," I have realize that math is now a new form of literacy.
Missy, before beginning my internship, I had negative feelings toward math that I had been carrying with me since a young age. Since starting my internship and taking Math and Science Methods, my idea as to what math is and how it can be taught has completely changed. Math is more than just numbers, those numbers have meaning and there are a variety of tools to aids students in expressing that meaning. Students at my school love doing math on websites such as Study Island and enjoy using apps that model handheld manipulatives in order to solve problems. Overall, just as technology is transforming, so is the teaching of math, and for the better!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I love how you think of math as a type of literacy. In order for students to solve problems, there are many forms of literacies that they must use. In my kindergarten class we take STAR testing. This computerized assessment assesses literacy and math skills. Students are required to understand the technology of the program and the ways to use a computer to answer the questions. Then they must listen to questions or read questions. They also may need to use number sense or equations to help them solve the problem. Math is more than knowing that 1+1=2. Math also required students to understand information and sort it for relevance and importance. I loved how you helped us all think about literacy in a different way with your blog post!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you bridged literacy with mathematics. This is huge!!! A friend of mine did her research on the corelation with literacy and math - it's bigger than most people think.
ReplyDeleteMissy - awesome post! Since I don't consider myself much of a math person, I haven't put much thought into how technology has influenced literacies when it comes to mathematics. I recently walked into a third grade classroom and the math specialist was teaching the students how to take the SBACs on the computer. I was shocked after having to take so many standardized tests with scantrons. I also like how you mentioned the use of manipulatives as a non-technology form of literacy. Once students understand the meaning of manipulatives and how to use them, they are an amazingly useful tool to utilize in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't a math person either, but I became one. It's still strange to say, but I love it. Part of my job is to help with SBAC prep for math. I helped them with the performance task which looks like a reading test instead of a math test.
DeleteChelsea, I have to say, I felt the same way about math. I think that's why I can connect with the kids to help them understand why they have to regroup and cross off the number in the tens column and why we add a zero for the place holders. I knew we did it, but it didn't make sense why.
ReplyDeleteJacquelyn, There's so much reading to math. It's such a critical component. Did your friend just finish her reading certificate at SHU? If so, I think we have the same friend. If so, she's an amazing math teacher. I helped out in her classroom before she was an interventionist. If not, well, I have a new friend to meet.
Love this post Melissa! Math is 100% a form of literacy that requires students to be able to read numbers and texts in a whole new way. Math practices and strategies have completely transformed since I was a child and I love it. There is a greater connection to numbers through reading, writing, and technology that generates better, lasting understanding. The new math models, strategies and manipulatives also make learning (and teaching) math fun and exciting, which I don’t think a lot of students could say when I was growing up.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think it's fun, too! It's why I love what I do! Hopefully I can teach my students to love it, too.
DeleteMelissa, I enjoyed reading your post, it was very thorough. I was able to learn a great deal about the way math is taught in schools. MathPlayground sounds like a fun and educational site that I will check out and potentially use with my future students.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa, I love the idea of you connecting literacy to math! I must admit math is my least favorite subject so my mind didn't even go there. However, you are %100 correct in that so much of math is word problems and strategy. Without the base of literacy math would be non existent. Thank you for the resources and making me think in a different way.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job showing how other content areas, like math are so connected to literacy. Every subject requires the ability to be a proficient reader and I think that it often overlooked. Especially with assessments like SBAC, success in math depends on being able to read and reason in order to solve a problem correctly.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your connection between math and reading literacies. Seeing the similarities in such very opposite content areas is extremely important for us as educators in order to help students build their skills for each using similar strategies. I recently just finished the math and science methods course at SHU, and was also very intrigued by all of the literacy practices they are equipping us with as future mathematic and science teachers.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog about the bridge between literacy and mathematics. There really is a "mathematical language" and students must be exposed to the lingo while they figure out the strategies for solving problems!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post! Students just recently took the SBAC test, and there are definitely aspects of literacy present in this exam! I really have never thought about the connection between math and literacy before, but your post really deepened that connection for me. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThere's definitely literacy connected with math! There's so many different methods and techniques that go along with math to help have an understanding. Without these different methods students would not be able to comprehend and visualize how they got their final answer. It is all based on building strategies and is always connected with literacy!
ReplyDeleteI have always struggled with math as a kid and was always put in the lowest math group. The connection you make with literacy being able to cross over into math is a great way to help kids make it seem like it is easier to take a grasp on it. The material being learned would be much easier for students if they can make connection to it throughout the day.
ReplyDeleteI really dislike all this extra work they make the students do for math now. It’s kind of ridiculous. The students are spending a whole class period to write out and thoroughly solve a math problem…. I feel as if this is so unnecessary and that they should be more focused on just how to arrive at the right answer. Ohhh and SBAC…. this makes my students go crazy and I really feel as if this test is just way too much pressure on these young children. We are spending more time teaching our students how to take this test then teaching them an academic lesson.
ReplyDelete