Solving Problems in Math and Science Education

1
Solving Problems in Math and Science Education

• Article by Rebecca Jones
• Presented by Aubrey T. Sternal
• ELED 415- Dr. Barrett

2
TIMMS Results

• Third International Mathematics Science Study
  reveals U.S. Fourth Graders scoring above
  international average in both math and science
  until the eighth grade.
• U.S. eighth graders scores slip in both
  subjects, twelfth graders scoring near bottom of
  the heap.

3
Transition Time

• Middle School is the critical transition time for
  U.S. students.
• Instead of challenging middle school students for
  high school science and math, the focus is review
  of concepts introduced in elementary school.

4
Need for more of a challenge

• Expect more from students
• Typical U.S. math and science curriculum doesnt
  match curriculum of other countries.
• Curriculum doesnt match the ability of U.S.
  students.

5
What to Focus On

• Focusing on Algebra, Geometry and Science doesnt
  mean more homework.
• Focusing curriculum doesnt mean more topics.
• The typical U.S. eighth grade math curriculum
  covers more than 35 topics, while Japanese
  curriculum at the same grade level focuses on
  just five to 10 topics.

6
Better Rate of Retention

• Countless research studies show the best learning
  and retention occur when students can
  thoughtfully investigate topics posing questions
  and working toward solutions.
• Researchers say the very breadth of the typical
  U.S. Curriculum precludes in-depth studies,
  forces superficiality and almost guarantees
  topics will have to be revisited the following
  year.

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Minnesota Focuses on 4-5 Science topics a year

• Minnesota students receive top scores according
  to TIMMS Fourth and Eighth grade science tests.
• Minnesota teachers use inquiry-base approach, in
  which students try to answer questions they come
  up with themselves.
• Out of class science experiences involving local
  weather patterns and geological features are more
  prevalent in Minnesota.

8
Better Prepared Teachers

• More than one-third of U.S. high school math
  teachers did not major or minor in the subject
  they teach.
• Over half of all physics teachers are out of
  their content area.
• Credentialed math and science teachers lack
  conceptual understanding of their subject matter.

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Resources for Science and Math Teachers

• Teachers Academy for Mathematics and Science in
  Chicago
• More time to plan
• Collaborate
• Seek help on problems

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Demand Better Text Books

• Dont purchase books without Publishers providing
  research based material
• Force Publishers to revisit their text books and
  recognize less is more, less subject matter.
• Districts advocate in behalf of the students by
  insisting publishers make dramatic changes.

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Teach Vertical Hierarchy

• Mathematics is the base
• Physics sits on Mathematics
• Chemistry sits on Physics
• Biology sits on Chemistry

12
Teach Music

• Improves Spatial-temporal reasoning skills
• Builds neural pathways and stabilizes them
• Improves proportional reasoning

13
Do not Track Students

• Most other countries do not segregate bright kids
  from the not so bright at an early age.
• Do not provide different content to different
  kids at the elementary and middle school kids
  based on abilities.
• Research results show enrichment for students
  doesnt guarantee world class results.

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More time devoted to Math and Science

• Twenty percent of U.S. eighth graders spend fewer
  than 30 minutes a day in math class, according to
  a 1996 National Assessment of Educational
  Progress study.
• Fewer interruptions during time allocated to math
  and science.

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Balance Direct Instruction with Inquiry Based
Learning

• Japanese teachers present a problem and students
  work both alone, and in groups to find the
  solution.
• Improve upon what works higher expectations,
  focused curriculum, better prepared teachers,
  mentor text books, uninterrupted time, and
  balanced instruction.

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Resources for creating World-Class Math and
Science Programs.

• Appalachian Educational Laboratory
• www.ael.org provides links to nine other
  regional laboratories.
• Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for mathematics
  and Science Education www.enc.org
• National Center for Education Statistics.
  Washtington D.C. http//nces.ed.gov
• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
  www.nctm.org.
• National Education Goals Panel www.negp.gov

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Reference

• Jones, R. (1998). Solving Problems in Math and
  Science Education. American School Board Journal.
  185 (7), 16-20