Teaching Mathematics for Meaning

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
 Objectives

At the end of the session, the you will be able

to:
• identify the three (3) levels of representing
knowledge when teaching math
• identify and understand how children should
learn math using the three (3) types of
experiences
 Activity
Answer these questions:
In teaching math,
 How do I present a lesson?
 What tools do I use?
 What type of learning experiences do I
provide my learners?
 Two types of Learning

Procedural Learning vs. Conceptual learning

 Two types of learning

Procedural learning Conceptual learning

Learning the Understanding the

processes or concepts,meanings,
algorithms by rote reasoning
Applying rules or underlying a
formula process
 Examples

Add by following the steps.

¾ + 2/4 = _____ Use the drawings to add.

 Add the numerators.

Write the sum over the common
denominator
Express the answer in simplest
form if needed. ¾ + 2/4
 Example

Find the volume of a rectangular

Find the volume.
prism with these dimensions:
L= 10 cm, w= 4 cm and h=6 cm. Use
the formula V=lwh 6 cm

4 cm
10 cm
Three Levels of Representation of Knowledge

Concrete

Pictorial

Symbolic
 Concrete level

• The concrete level of representation is the

performance of an action on an object or
objects. At this level, children use hands-on
manipulatives to physically arrive at the
solution. Manipulatives can be counters like
beads, popsicle sticks, marbles, chips, etc.
 Pictorial level

• At this level, children no longer use

manipulatives or actual objects to learn the
concept. Children at this level may use pictures
or drawing to understand and learn the
concept.
 Symbolic level

• At the symbolic level, children have enough

experiences with the given problem type to
represent it symbolically without using
manipulatives, pictures or images. At this level,
children use symbols to represent a concept.
Types of Learning Experiences
Driil and
Practice

Reinforcement

Developmental
 Types of Learning Experiences

• Developmental. Developmental activities are

used to develop new ideas and introduce new
concepts/skills. Developmental activities
should be conceptually-based, and the children
should be able to acquire meaning for the
concepts and processes they are learning.
 Types of Learning Experiences

• Reinforcement. These activities are used to

reinforce previously introduced concepts and
skills.
• Drill and Practice. Drill and practice activities
are used to practice or memorize previously
learned concepts, skills and procedures. These
are provided to children for mastery and to
make learning remain or permanent in their
minds.
Group Activity:
Group 1: Divisibility Rules
Group 2: Circumference of a Circular
region
Group 3: Adding fractions
Group 4: Subtracting fractions
Write a journal expressing your
understanding of the topic
discussed
Paul Halmos