Making the Case for Change
Today's math curriculum is teaching students to expect—and excel at—paint-by-numbers classwork, robbing kids of a skill more important than solving problems: formulating them. So says Dan Myer, educator and blogger, in a presentation recorded at a recent TED conference (TEDxNYED). In the online video, Meyer shows classroom-tested math exercises that prompt students to stop and think. In the process, he shows why, in spite of the challenges, it's an amazing time to be teaching math!
Educators interested in highlighting the importance of 21st century learning environments, will also want to check out the latest version of the classic "Engage Me" video that has been so popular on YouTube. This one, created by the students at Robin Hood primary school in Birmingham, England, can be found here.
