Teacher Education Workshop- Leveraging Student Invented Strategies and Notations in Teaching Math

The history of mathematics is rich with culture and creativity. People from all around the world have contributed to this growing body of knowledge by inventing strategies and notations to symbolize and generalize their conceptual understanding of mathematics. However, the standardization of school mathematics has (in)advertently put a focus on conventional notations and strategies (i.e. standard algorithms). While there is value to learning to communicate mathematical ideas in a conventional way, ignoring the history and development of such conventions can make mathematics seem rigid, closed, and disconnected.

The common core and NCTM standards attempt to restore the humanness of mathematics partially through the practice standards and partially through content standards that speak to strategies alongside algorithms. Wisconsin's own vision of mathematics states "Mathematics is a human activity of experiencing, interacting with, and relating to the world." To realize this vision, and bring back the richness of culture and ingenuity to mathematics, it comes down to day to day activities that allow students to invent their own strategies and notations alongside learning conventional ones. In doing so, we inspire students to engage in the art of doing mathematics.

Hosted by Mr. Dan Krill and Ms. Nicole O'Connor - Hamilton School District