The Mathematics in Movement: Teaching Mathematics Content Through

Orientation and Mobility

Presented byDerrick W. Smith, Ed.D., COMS

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Recommendations Based on Research• Students can learn both concepts and skills by solving

problems.• Giving students both an opportunity to discover and

invent new knowledge and an opportunity to PRACTICE what they have learned improves student achievement.

• Teaching mathematics with a focus on number sense encourages students to become problem solvers in a wide variety of situations and to view mathematics as a discipline in which thinking is important.

• Long-term use of concrete materials is positively related to increases in student mathematics achievement and improved attitudes toward mathematics.– Grouws & Cebulla (2002)

Learning Mathematics

• "When students can connect mathematical ideas, their understanding is deeper and more lasting." (NCTM, 2000, p. 63).

• NCTM encourages students to EXPERIENCE mathematics in MULTIPLE CONTEXTS.

• Common Core places great emphasis on application, generalization, and problem-solving (i.e. “critical thinking skills”)

So what does this mean?

For students to develop a grounded understanding of the importance and

application of mathematics, they have to be provided opportunities to not only learn the basic concepts but EXPERIENCE the concepts

and MAKE applications!

Who's Job Is It Anyway?

• Direct instruction should come from general educators.

• TVIs have a unique role as collaborators.• O&M specialists are considered related

service providers.• All are part of the multidisciplinary team (as

required by law) but hopefully moving toward become more interdisciplinary!

Numbers and Operations• Defined:

– understanding numbers (including systems);– understanding meanings of operations and how they are

related to one another;– compute fluently and make reasonable estimations.

• Common Core Connections: Counting & Cardinality; Operations & Algebraic Thinking; Number & Operations in Base Ten/Fractions; The Number System

• Concepts:– numeracy, counting and cardinality, sets (odds, evens,

multiples, integers), addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, estimations

Number and Operations Connections

• Counting (doors, driveways, steps, etc.)• One-to-One correspondence• Even and Odds (address systems)• Basic fractional concepts• Numerals (print and Nemeth)• Integers (2 steps forward, 3 steps back)• Estimations (distance, length, etc.)• Operations (take every opportunity)

Algebraic Thinking• Defined:– understand patterns, relations, and functions; – represent and analyze mathematical situations and

structures using algebraic symbols; – use mathematical models to represent and understand

quantitative relationships; – analyze change in various contexts.

• Common Core Connections: Operations & Algebraic Thinking; Expressions & Equations; Functions

• Concepts:– equations, inequalities, relationships, problem solving

Algebra Connections

• Number patterns (even, odds, blocks, etc.)• Basic functions (How many steps would it take

to get and back? 2x? How many steps would it take to get and back and there and back? 4x?)

• Shopping exercises (If 1 can costs $0.59, how much would 4 cans cost? Oh yeah, that's algebra!)

Geometry• Defined:

– analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships;

– specify locations and describe spatial relationships using coordinate geometry and other representational systems;

– apply transformations and use symmetry to analyze mathematical situations;

– use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems.

• Common Core Connections: Geometry• Concepts:

– Geometry means to "measure the earth". The connections are limited only by our imagination.

Geometry Connections• Spatial Concepts– positional terms (up, down, below, above, etc.)– directional terms (right, left, compass, etc.)– geometric terms (point, line, line segment, ray)– reasoning (If the east wing of the building is shaped like this,

what will the west wing look like?)• Angles (degree turns)• Parallel and Perpendicular (duh!)• Polygons (blocks, roundabouts, etc.)• Perimeter and Area• Maps (location on a grid, transformations)

Measurement

• Defined:– understand measurable attributes of objects and the

units, systems, and processes of measurement; – apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to

determine measurements. • Common Core Connections: Measurement• Concepts:– Units of measurement (length, height, weight, time,

currency, capacity)– Use of appropriate tools

Measurement Connections• Develop understanding of length measurement

in nonstandard and standard terms (both English and metric systems).

• Development of small time increments (seconds, minutes)

• Distance formula (d = rt) (How long will it take you get from point A to point B if you are walking 50 yards/minute and point B is 300 yards away?)

• Appropriate clothes to wear.

Measurement Connections, Part 2

• Consumer mathematics:– The value of currency;– Folding systems;– Addition, Subtraction– Estimation (Do you have enough money to buy these

items?)• Weight– Differentiate between nonstandard weights

• Capacity– Measurement of volume (liquids and solids)

Measurement Connections, Part 3

• Tools– Do you provide your students opportunities to

measure as they travel?– Nonstandard units such as steps compared to

standard units.– GPS systems?

Data Analysis and Probability

• Defined:– formulate questions that can be addressed with data

and collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer them;

– select and use appropriate statistical methods to analyze data;

– develop and evaluate inferences and predictions that are based on data;

– understand and apply basic concepts of probability. • Common Core Connections: Statistics & Probability

Data Analysis and Probability Connections

• Data Analysis– Sales price (alternative methods of

computing)– Weather forecast (everybody laugh)

• Probability– What are the odds...

Process Standards

• While the previous sections were content focused, math instruction also focuses on processes.

• They include:– Problem solving– Reasoning and proof– Communication– Connections– Representations

Process Standards, Part 2

• Problem Solving: Provide your students with the opportunity to problem solve when applicable (reading maps, "drop-off" lessons, addresses, distance determination, "Can you afford" exercises).

• Reasoning and Proof: When your students are discussing mathematical principles in application, make sure their logic is clear and correct.

Process Standards, Part 3

• Communication: Can the student discuss their application of math? This is relevant in all areas, but especially in geometric terms and consumer math.

• Connections: In essence, this is what we are doing! FIND WAYS TO CONNECT!!

• Representation: Tactile maps using geometric figures and measurement tools.

Collaborate

• Attempt to collaborate with the general education teacher to reinforce math content being taught in the classroom.

• Ask questions of the general education teacher if you are unclear of the content (especially in high school).

• The Expanded Core Curriculum utilizes the Core!

• Find opportunities and USE THEM!

MAKE MATH MEANINGFUL THROUGH ORIENTATION AND

MOBILITY!

derrick.smith@uah.edu