Concept Based Teaching Method Helps Middle Schoolers Advance in Math

A new method of teaching math has come to Paramus middle schools which focuses on teaching students the concepts of problem solving which results in a better understanding of how to apply the skill.

East Brook and West Brook middle school principals and vice principals teamed up Monday to give a detailed presentation complete with video footage of teaching examples to the Board of Education trustees, showing them how this method, known as connected math, is helping students learn.

The students are no longer just memorizing the steps it takes to solve math problems, instead they first are made to understand the math concepts which is done through an investigative process, a series of steps using visuals and a lot of interaction with fellow students and their instructor, explained Carla Alvarez, principal of West Brook.

“If we want children to perceive math as problem solving we need to present it that way,” said Alvarez. Another important factor is they are using real world problems which also helps students better understand the math concepts, she explained.

The teaching method is done in three parts, explained East Brook Principal Thomas LoBue. First there is the launch period where the teacher explains the concept and gives them any prerequisite skills the students will need.

Next they explore, applying what they learned in an environment where they work together sharing ideas and making strong real world based connections. They conclude with the summary where they apply what they learned, which according to Alvarez is the old first step in the former teaching method.

The method still teaches to the students individual skill level and also have some independence by being able to use the visuals they prefer in their problem solving, the administrators explained.