Standards and Classroom Changes to Deepen Math Learning Reflection

Throughout this course, we have been consistently working with the Standards of Mathematical Practice and the NCTM Standards. The utilization of these standards is in regards to changes made in the K-8 curriculum by introducing the Common Core Standards for mathematics and language arts into the schools. This change in the curriculum is extremely beneficial for both students and teachers as it allows both parties to utilize many different ways of learning, as well as tie in the process standards into our everyday learning.

NCTM Process Standards:

• Problem Solving
• Reasoning & Proof
• Communication
• Connections
• Representation

The new Common Core Standards easily connect to these 5 process standards and have the instructor focusing on fulfilling each of these to deepen mathematical understanding in the classroom. For example, a 4th grade teacher may be working with her students on problem solving with fractions. Instead of incorporating just one way of looking at this concept with just one process standard like we might have seen in the past, the Common Core Standards ask the teacher and the students to show reasoning and proof behind their thought process while problem solving, communicate with peers about ideas, connect these ideas to real-life situations and past mathematical concepts, and finally represent their ideas and mathematical skills in many different ways besides simply filling out a worksheet.