IB DP Mathematics: Embed a concept-based approach

TL;DR

This video discusses strategies for teaching math in the DP curriculum that focus on developing conceptual understanding through investigation, modeling, and making connections.

Transcript

so before we start diggin a quote to set the stage here which is that continuity gives us roots and change gives us branches letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights miss Kaiser was an American politician and before that she was a teacher and as teachers we all know the value of continuity in our classes for ourselves and for our students ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Continuity and change are valuable in math teaching, and teachers should build on existing knowledge while embracing new strategies.
• 💄 Investigation, modeling, and making connections are effective tools for developing conceptual understanding in math.
• 🧑‍🎓 Teachers can incorporate investigations to help students find patterns, generalize concepts, and practice reasoning.
• 🧑‍🎓 Applying math concepts to real-world situations through modeling helps students make connections and understand the relevance of math in everyday life.
• 🧑‍🎓 Making connections between different topics in math promotes students' ability to solve challenging problems and utilize a variety of techniques.
• 🤗 Teachers should allocate time for explicit skills development and incorporate open-ended questions to foster inquiry and critical thinking skills.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can students practice skills and content in DP math courses to develop a coherent understanding of mathematical concepts?

Students can practice skills and content through investigation, which involves starting with specific examples, finding patterns, and generalizing concepts. They can also utilize modeling to apply math concepts to real-world situations and make connections between different topics.

Q: How can teachers find time to incorporate these strategies into their curriculum?

While it may be challenging to find time, the IB has inserted 30 hours into the syllabus specifically for exploration and skills development. Teachers can explicitly allocate class time for practicing skills and incorporating investigation, modeling, and making connections.

Q: What is conceptual understanding in math education?

Conceptual understanding refers to a deep understanding of mathematical ideas and their significance. It involves knowing more than isolated facts and methods, and being able to connect ideas, apply them in real-world contexts, and articulate generalizations.

Q: How can teachers help students develop a mental framework for solving challenging math problems?

Teachers can help students develop a mental framework by encouraging them to investigate math concepts, make connections between different topics, and practice modeling math in real-world situations. This helps students understand how to solve challenging problems and connect new ideas to what they already know.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker emphasizes the value of continuity and change in teaching math, highlighting the importance of building on existing knowledge while embracing new strategies.

• Three main tools for developing conceptual understanding are introduced: investigation, modeling, and making connections.

• The speaker provides examples of how these tools can be incorporated into teaching, such as using investigations to help students find patterns and generalize concepts.