Khan Academy Ed Talks with Ted Coe, PhD - Tuesday, March 15

TL;DR

In this conversation, Dr. Ted Coe discusses the significance of ways of thinking in math education and highlights the need to focus on more than just procedural skills. The conversation explores the interplay between teachers, technology, and student ownership of learning.

Transcript

• Hello and welcome to Ed Talks with Khan Academy. I'm Kristen DiCerbo, the Chief Learning Officer at Khan Academy. And today, I am looking forward to talking to Dr. Ted Coe, who is with NWEA, one of our key partners here. He is the Director of Content, Advocacy and Design. We're looking forward to talking about math and math learning today. Before... Read More

Key Insights

• 💨 Ways of thinking and ways of doing are both crucial in mathematics education, as they contribute to a comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts.
• 🤔 Formative conversation starters can be valuable tools for teachers to encourage and nurture ways of thinking in their students.
• 🧑‍🏫 The interplay between teachers and technology is important, with teachers focusing on promoting ways of thinking and technology enhancing access to content and supporting procedural skills.
• 🧑‍🎓 Helping students become owners of their own learning involves developing metacognitive skills, such as reflection and self-evaluation. Teachers can facilitate this process by engaging students in reflective discussions and encouraging their autonomy in learning.
• 🤔 The focus should not solely be on right or wrong answers in math education, but on listening to students' thinking and promoting a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.
• 😃 The current educational landscape is moving towards addressing traditional views of math education and fostering joy and progress in learning.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of ways of thinking in math education?

Ways of thinking in math education are crucial as they help students develop a deep conceptual understanding and apply mathematical knowledge to real-life situations. By focusing on both ways of thinking and ways of doing, students can build a strong foundation in mathematics.

Q: How can teachers encourage ways of thinking in their students?

Teachers can use formative conversation starters to initiate discussions that promote ways of thinking. By asking open-ended questions and actively listening to students' responses, teachers can create a safe environment for students to express their thoughts and reflect on their understanding.

Q: How can technology and teachers work together in math education?

Technology can provide access to content and support procedural skills, while teachers play a crucial role in nurturing ways of thinking. Teachers can interpret students' responses, provide feedback, and facilitate metacognitive reflection, which technology alone cannot achieve.

Q: How can students become owners of their own learning in math?

Students can develop metacognitive skills by reflecting on their understanding, evaluating their confidence in their answers, and identifying areas for further growth. Teachers can help facilitate this process by engaging students in reflective discussions and encouraging them to take ownership of their learning.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Dr. Ted Coe discusses the role of ways of thinking and ways of doing in mathematics education, emphasizing the importance of both in developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.

• He shares insights on how teachers can encourage and nurture ways of thinking in their students by using formative conversation starters and engaging in reflective discussions.

• The conversation also touches on the interplay between teachers and technology, highlighting the unique strengths of each in supporting math education, and the necessity of incorporating metacognitive skills in student learning.