Australian teacher and numeracy learning specialist, David Morkunas, discusses applying cognitive load theory in math class with practical tips on explicit instruction, standard algorithms, math anxiety, and motivation. The episode provides actionable advice for educators seeking to enhance math teaching methods.
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Quick takeaways
Effective math instruction involves incorporating cognitive load theory and explicit instruction techniques to enhance student learning.
Manipulatives are essential in early math education to aid in understanding concrete concepts and transition to abstract representations.
Incorporating daily reviews with spaced, interleaved, and retrieval practices can solidify student understanding and enhance long-term retention in math education.
Deep dives
Explicit Instruction in Teaching Math: Key Principles
Explicit instruction is highlighted as a crucial method for teaching math, emphasizing the importance of cognitive load theory and explicit instruction techniques. By understanding intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load, teachers can effectively manage working memory for students. Using strategies like 'I do, we do, you do,' teachers guide students through mathematical concepts while consistently checking for understanding.
Incorporating Manipulatives in Math Instruction for Young Learners
Manipulatives, such as bundling sticks and counters, play a vital role in early math instruction to enhance understanding. Starting with concrete representations like tens frames and progressing to more abstract concepts, manipulatives aid in concepts like place value and help students transition to abstract representations.
Differentiation in Math Instruction for Diverse Skill Levels
Addressing diverse skill levels in the classroom, teachers implement differentiated instruction during independent practice by providing varying levels of practice problems. By setting a minimum level of expectation for all students and offering additional challenges for high-ability learners, teachers ensure that each student is appropriately challenged.
The Role of Daily Reviews in Reinforcing Math Concepts
Daily reviews serve as a fundamental component in math education, facilitating multiple exposures to previously learned concepts. By incorporating spaced practice, interleaved practice, and retrieval practice in short daily review sessions, students solidify their understanding and retention of math concepts, enhancing long-term learning.
Motivating Students in Math Education
Motivation in math education stems from creating a positive learning environment where students experience success. By emphasizing achievement, providing engaging instruction, and reinforcing a growth mindset, teachers can foster a sense of accomplishment and reduce math anxiety among students. Teachers' enthusiasm and passion for math can positively impact student motivation and performance.
In Episode 26, math professor Anna Stokke is joined by David Morkunas, who is an Australian teacher and numeracy learning specialist. Their conversation focusses on practical applications of cognitive load theory and explicit instruction for teaching math.
They discuss David’s role in overseeing a primary math program. He shares strategies for incorporating cognitive science principles into daily math reviews. They discuss the significance of standard algorithms and explore David’s strategies for teaching them. They talk about the role of manipulatives, math anxiety and fostering motivation in math class. Anna also asked David to recommend resources for further exploration of explicit instruction and cognitive load theory.
This episode is packed with actionable advice for teaching math. David’s infectious passion for math and his skill in applying effective teaching methods make this an invaluable episode for educators and math education enthusiasts.