AfterSchool Care Essay Research Paper Posner and — страница 2

school mathematics instruction in the last decade has been on computational skills(which students are learning fairly well), but that the development of problem-solving skills and conceptual understanding has been inadequate.”(1) The focus on computational skills rather than the problem-solving and conceptual understanding hinder the mathematical abilities of students. As math becomes more abstract, they do not have the required mind state to solve problems with higher level concepts. The UCLinks program supports the teaching of relational mathematics, according to Skewer, knowing what to do and why, over rote learning with their students. The solid mental foundation relational mathematics builds will increase the mathematical abilities of the children and help them

problem-solve as math becomes more complex and abstract. The teaching of relational mathematics in the UCLinks program can be observed with the use of pencil and paper, manipulatives, and computers to help children understand mathematical concepts and problem-solving. These practices are further supported in Clements article, “National Council of Teachers in Mathematics recommends that students be actively involved in learning, experimenting with, exploring, and communicating about mathematics.”(4) The development of children?s mathematical abilities increases when they actually learn the concepts behind the math problems and how to solve them on their own. The interaction children have with pencil and paper and manipulatives stimulates their thought process and helps them

understand why. Computers also present an interesting new way to learn mathematics with software like Math Blaster and Mighty Math Heroes. Children need to learn mathematics solutions that actively engage them. If they are strictly prohibited to computation, children will lose their interest in mathematics as they grow older.