The Importance of Curriculum Clarity and Consistency
One of the key findings from Lanna M’s study is the importance of a clear and consistent curriculum. Countries that excel in math education, such as Singapore and Japan, have highly structured curricula with low variance across schools. This consistency ensures that all students receive the same foundational knowledge, which is crucial for building advanced skills. In contrast, the Australian curriculum is often described as “fluffy” and open to interpretation, which can lead to disparities in what students learn.
Transforming Math Education: Insights from Global Best Practices
In a world where educational standards vary widely, understanding how top-performing countries teach mathematics can offer valuable lessons for parents and educators alike. Recent research by Lanna M, a Churchill Fellowship recipient, sheds light on the best practices in math education from countries like Singapore, Japan, Finland, Estonia, and Canada. This article explores these insights and how they can be applied to support children, particularly those with learning difficulties, in mastering mathematics.
The Role of High-Quality Resources in Education
Access to high-quality resources is another critical factor identified in successful math education systems. In the countries Lanna M visited, teachers are provided with textbooks and other materials that outline what to teach, allowing them to focus on how to teach it effectively. This approach contrasts with the common practice in Australia, where teachers often spend significant time creating their own resources. Providing teachers with ready-made, high-quality materials can enhance the quality of instruction and reduce their workload.
Author Quote
“
Explicit instruction is based on cognitive load theory, so it’s the idea that we present new information in small scaffolded steps to really ensure the success for our students. – Lanna M
”
Explicit Instruction and Cognitive Load Theory
Explicit instruction, grounded in cognitive load theory, was a common thread in the educational systems of high-performing countries. This method involves presenting new information in small, scaffolded steps to ensure student success. By focusing on explicit instruction, teachers can help students build procedural fluency and conceptual understanding without overwhelming their working memory. This approach is particularly beneficial for students with learning difficulties, as it provides a structured and predictable learning environment.
Key Takeaways:
1
Understanding Learning Difficulties: Recognize that children struggling in school may have learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyscalculia, which can impact their ability to process and retain mathematical concepts. Early identification and intervention are crucial, as delays in assessment and support can lead to significant learning loss and negative self-perception.
2
Importance of Procedural Fluency: Focus on helping your child achieve procedural fluency in mathematics, particularly with foundational skills like single-digit addition and multiplication facts. Encourage regular practice and review to build automaticity, which is essential for higher-level math and can prevent reliance on less efficient methods like finger counting.
3
Supporting with Multisensory Learning: Utilize multisensory approaches at home to reinforce learning. Engage your child with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities, such as using manipulatives like base 10 blocks or egg cartons, to help them understand and retain mathematical concepts more effectively. This can be especially beneficial for children with learning difficulties.
### Benefits of Structured Learning Environments for Students with Learning Difficulties
Children with Dyslexia often face challenges in math due to difficulties with language processing, which is integral to understanding mathematical concepts. Lanna M’s research highlights the need for early intervention and tailored instruction for these students. By using multisensory approaches and ensuring that foundational skills are taught explicitly, educators can help students with dyslexia build confidence and competence in math.
Author Quote
“
The curriculum was like multiplication to 9 * 9 by year two in Japan. Our curriculum says two times tables in year two. Why are our children doing just the two times tables and in Japan they’re doing up to nine times nine? – Lanna M
”### Overcoming Mathematical Challenges Through Tailored Educational Strategies
Dyscalculia, a specific learning disability in math, requires a structured and systematic approach to education. The successful countries Lanna M visited emphasize the importance of procedural fluency and fact recall to automaticity, which are essential for students with dyscalculia. By maintaining a focus on these foundational skills and using manipulatives to support learning, educators can help these students overcome their challenges and succeed in math.
Discover how the structured approach of the Brain Bloom System can help your child overcome math challenges. Inspired by successful educational practices from top-performing countries, this system offers a clear, consistent curriculum and high-quality resources to support learning. Learn more about Brain Bloom System and give your child the tools they need to succeed in math.
