Choosing a math program

Different Math Programs This video explains the different factors to consider when choosing a math program. Some programs use a spiral curriculum, others use a mastery-based curriculum. A spiral curriculum is one that frequently revisits major topics - that have been previously learned - across grade levels. An example is when teaching multiplication of fractions, teachers might first begin with a review of multiplying integers. Another factor to consider is if a program is constructivist or instructivist. With instructivism, the teacher is the “sage on the stage” and instructs on the subject while the students receive the knowledge. This is often a teacher-centered environment. If you’ve sat in a college lecture, that is instructivism! With constructivism, the teacher is the “guide on the side”, acting as a facilitator while the students construct their knowledge. Students working together to determine how to design a container for an “egg drop challenge”, where a raw egg is dropped from a height, is constructivism. Other factors to consider are intervention resources, games, and other online resources for parents and students. The reality is there is no “perfect” program. Hopefully this video gives you some idea of the factors to consider when choosing a program. EdReports is one website that might help you decide which program is most appropriate for your situation: https://www.edreports.org/compare/results/math-k8 https://www.teachthought.com/learning/the-difference-between-instructivism-constructivism-and-connectivism/ You may also want to join some Facebook groups. Two popular ones are Math Intervention Matters and Build Math Minds. While you are looking into different math approaches, are you wondering why the Common Core is used? Please watch our video Why Common Core at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNwx6B5RinM Math Videos for Parents Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mathvideosforparents Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVCVmCfZhq0mLLB6D2bbQ7Q Please reach out with any problem requests. We enjoy helping you so that you can help your kids!