Progressively Incorrect S4E22: J.R. Wilson and Barry Garelick on Engagement and Conceptual Teaching in Math
Feb 24, 2025
J.R. Wilson, co-author of Traditional Math with a wealth of educational experience, teams up with Barry Garelick, a math educator with a unique federal government background. They delve into the nuances of effective math instruction, comparing traditional and modern teaching strategies. The duo navigates the challenges of overloaded curricula and emphasizes the need for balance between concepts and procedures. Their engaging anecdotes and practical strategies aim to transform math education, helping students build both enjoyment and ownership in the learning process.
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Avoid Cognitive Overload
- Break down complex math topics, like percents, across multiple lessons to avoid cognitive overload.
- Identify and remove non-essential topics ("chaff") to allocate more time for crucial concepts.
Pre-Teaching and Review
- Pre-teach upcoming topics to reduce cognitive load when they are formally introduced.
- Use "scratch paper time" (I do, we do, you do) to review and reinforce foundational skills like long division.
Wait Time Anecdote
- James Wilson recounts an experience with a seasoned teacher resistant to observation feedback.
- The teacher eventually adopted Wilson's suggestion of using wait time, demonstrating that even experienced teachers can benefit from new strategies.