Math Learning Concepts and Challenges

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Number sense

Back

Understanding quantities and quantity relationships. Classroom Example: Errors when putting numbers in order; inconsistent errors comparing numbers.

Front

Estimation skills

Back

Predicting a reasonable quantity. Classroom Example: Guessing 50 instead of 10 for candies; unsure if 11+21 closer to 30 or 40.

Front

Early numeracy skills

Back

Understanding and operating with numbers (e.g., counting, number symbols, comparing quantities). Classroom Example: Giving 5 cookies instead of 3; not saying numbers in order when counting.

Front

Subitizing skills

Back

Ability to discern a small group of objects without counting. Classroom Example: Counting each object instead of recognizing 4 blocks without counting.

Front

Inconsistent performance

Back

Accurate and then inaccurate performance without pattern. Classroom Example: Several types of errors; many 'careless' mistakes.

Front

Retention and retrieval

Back

Ability to recall things from memory. Classroom Example: Appears to master material but forgets later; last to complete work.

Front

Conceptual understanding

Back

Ability to know the big picture of math concepts. Classroom Example: Answering 11/13 for 7/8 + 4/5 instead of reasoning the sum is almost 2.

Front

Reliance on inadequate strategies

Back

Using strategies that are not aligned with appropriate problems. Classroom Example: Inverts and multiplies for subtraction of fractions; applies current skill to all problems.

Front

Arabic numbers

Back

Recognizing and operating with numerical numbers. Classroom Example: Writes numbers backwards; skips numbers; doesn’t know number names.

Front

Comparing magnitudes

Back

Determining which number is greater or less than another. Classroom Example: Thinks 1/5 > 1/2; difficulty placing numbers on a number line.