Mathematics

West Virginia’s Vision

for the 21st Century

Mathematics Classroom

     West Virginia’s 21st Century learning initiative promises to graduate all students proficient in (1) rigorous core subjects and 21st century content; (2) the ability to think critically and problem solve; (3) the application of knowledge at high levels in relevant settings; (4) exhibiting personal and work place productivity skills; and in (5) the use of technology tools to assemble, communicate and analyze information.  We acknowledge and focus on mathematics teaching and learning within this plan.

     First and foremost, in the inquiry-based mathematics classroom students are doing mathematics.  They are applying mathematics to real-world problems and developing strategies to solve more complex mathematics problems.  They are interacting with one another and the teacher.  Teachers pose rich authentic mathematical questions that build on students’ thinking and encourage exploration for different solutions.  Students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, often experiencing disequilibrium followed by the exhilaration of accomplishment as they develop their own personal understandings of the mathematics.  They are encouraged to explain their thinking both orally and in writing.  In the 21st century mathematics classroom, students build their critical thinking, problem solving, fluency and number sense.  They use a variety of methods and tools to compute, including objects, mental computation, estimation, paper and pencil and calculators.  Their arithmetical fluency grows into the generalizations of algebra.  Students explore, investigate and solve problems designed to build a strong foundation in geometry, measurement, data analysis and probability as well.  Teachers model inquiry as they too are collaborative learners in the classroom.

    

    Students are engaged in rich mathematical tasks using appropriate technology to acquire levels of mathematical understanding that might otherwise be beyond their reach.  The 21st century student is proficient as described in “Helping Children Learn Mathematics” from the National Research Council:

  • Understanding – Comprehending mathematical concepts, operations and relations – knowing what mathematical symbols, diagrams and procedures mean.
  • Computing – Carrying out mathematical procedures, such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing numbers flexibly, accurately, efficiently and appropriately.
  • Applying – Being able to formulate problems mathematically and to devise strategies for solving them using concepts and procedures appropriately.
  • Reasoning – Using logic to explain and justify a solution to a problem or to extend from something known to something not yet known.
  • Engaging – Seeing mathematics as sensible, useful and doable – if you work at it - and being willing to do the work.

    

     The inquiry-based mathematics classroom allows us to serve our students in a way that they deserve:  prepared for success in the 21st century.

     Vision without action is merely a dream.  Action without vision just passes the time.  Vision with action can change the world.

- Joel A. Barker                                      

 

Comparison Study to the National Math Panel Report:

How is West Virginia Stacking Up?

County Mathematics Leadership Teams Wiki

Contact:  Lou Maynus, NBCT

Mathematics Coordinator, Office of Instruction