Best+Math+Practices

Welcome to the Best Math Practices page of this Wiki!

To optimize learning, there are few recommendations that would benefit any learner but are especially benefit for developing and stimulating the auditory cortex of the brain (Jensen, E. 1997). These suggestions include, but are not limited to:

* Active Listening - Instead of using background music, have students listen to Sonatas for 5-10 miniutes daily and then involve them with spatial reasoning or abstract tasks.
===* Sensory awareness - work in various areas of the room - move around - ask students how they feel when working in one part of the room versus another. What do they feel, see, hear? Have students close eyes as as a story problem is read aloud so they can "visualize" the problem before working out its mathematical parts.===

==== Games are good for the brain! Eric Jensen, a leading educator in brain research, suggests that using games such as Monopoly, Jeopardy, Around the World, Trivial Pursuit, and 20 Questions, customized with mathematic themes or skills is a fabulous way to engage young and adolescent learners. ====



Did you know that using color to enhance your lessons can increase student engagement and learning? Just by using specific colors may even perk up some of your most struggling learners. Jensen suggests some of the following:

Use monochromatic color schemes (like this one) to gain attention of your students with autism (think light blue background with a dark blue font, or a light green background with a dark green font.)

Use green to increase memory of learned skills Use pink or purple for calming environments Use red and yellow for bursts of information - such as flash cards

Use colored overlays on an Elmo or overhead projector to write on to project a colored background... white can be so boring!!!

Are you a Beethoven, Benny Goodman, or a Beyonce?

Maybe not! But at least you can influence your student's learning through music. Classical music played during classwork can keep students peaceful. Jazz music can help decrease hyperactive or busy bodies. Hip-hop or rap can increase heartrates, leading to increased engagement.

**Article:** //**Kagan Structures Using Brain Engagement:**//

**[|Best Math Practices]**

 * More About the Brain...and Math! **





= Fractions Giving You Problems?... =

Download this informative publication from //IES What Works Clearinghouse// about Fractions Instruction for grades K-8.





= = = Have you ever FLIPPED your math class? =

Check out this article (and great resources) about the flipped classroom!

__ http://www.mentormob.com/learn/i/18so-you-flipped-your-classroomnow-whatpeer-instruction/flipped-classroom-byron-high-school-mathematics-department-2 __

**__Overview__** The flipped classroom is where students watch the video lesson and learn the material at home then come to school and have class time to work on problems where the teacher and fellow students are available to answer questions. This teaching technique addresses the typical math classroom problem: Students passively listen to the lecture, begin the homework (only getting to the easy ones), go home and get stuck. Instead, students are able to tackle the "difficult" part of the learning-the problems-in the classroom where there is immediate help available from the teacher and peers.

10 Reasons to Flip Your Class:

[|Top 10 Reasons to Flip your Classroom]