Students in The Hive are learning that math is not just about getting the right answers, it's about the process.
As teachers, we know that not every math problem-solving method/strategy speaks to every learner. Introducing a variety of problem-solving strategies and tools, and allowing learners ample time to grapple with them is paramount to math success. It's this grappling or "productive struggle" that encourages learners to attack a problem in a way that makes sense to them; it allows them to build perseverance through trial and error and practice using a variety of strategies. As each learner attempts to solve a problem or learn a new strategy, they ask themselves questions like: What is the problem asking me to do? What information is provided? What part do I understand and what part is giving me trouble? It's these types of questions that engage learners and provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the structure of a problem because they're given the opportunity to attack it on their own. Productive struggle helps learners develop important learning habits, including but not limited to perseverance and flexible thinking. Teaching learners to embrace the process of working through a problem, thinking outside the box, and not getting discouraged when they initially fail is essential to their success as a math learner.When learners understand the purpose behind the struggle and embrace the idea that their efforts must be focused and working toward achieving a goal, it can change feelings of hopelessness to empowerment. This week's guest bloggers reflect on the successes of their own productive struggles.
One challenge I have been able to overcome in math is understanding how to do long division. At first, I had no clue how to do it, but now I am easily pushing through division problems. I think practicing math problems at home and making flash cards to help with knowing my facts quicker made all the difference. - @BlueBear
This year, I really struggled with long division. Something about it just didn't make sense to me. I struggled with it until one night, I checked my work over and over and it finally made sense to me. It's now one of my favorite things to do in math. My advice to someone, if they are struggling with anything in math, is to keep trying and just "sit with the struggle". It will finally make sense. - @Coconut5
One challenge I faced in math this year is when I didn't know how to add improper fractions. I overcame the challenge by asking questions - to the teachers, my classmates, and my family. The more questions I asked, the more I understood it. My advice to people that are having trouble with math is to ask for help and never give up. - @SoccerDog14 and @Milly
One thing I've struggled with this year in math is long division. It took lots of perseverance and leaning into the struggle. I worked through it by taking the time to think about my morning math and what I've learned and what I still don't know. One time I got a test back and got all the answers wrong and I thought to myself, THIS IS IT. I was determined to learn how to do it right. When I got home that day, I worked at it and figured it out. If you're ever struggling with math, never give up. It's OK to go to your teacher and say, "I don't get this." Teachers will always help you. Also, never say you know something when you really don't know it. -@YesSir
One challenge that I have faced in math that I've had to overcome is understanding fractions. I always got stumped on converting mixed numbers to improper fractions or vice versa. I decided to ask for a packet of practice sheets and I worked on it until I figured it out. My advice to someone who is struggling with a new math concept would be to ask for help and don't stop trying. - @Ribbet
One challenge I have faced in math is understanding fractions. For example, when I started, I thought it was hard to find equivalent fractions. I overcame it when we started working in groups. I got to hear everyone's thinking and learned new strategies for understanding it (like cross-checking). - @Oreo17
A challenge I have faced in math this year when I was learning how to add unlike fractions. I didn't know how to make like denominators. I overcame that challenge by repeating the same question until I saw how to do it. My advice to someone with the same struggle is to sit and keep trying. In math, you only grow when you crawl out of your shell and challenge yourself (like lobsters do when they outgrow their shells - they shed their old one and grow a new one). "Be a lobster". -@bealobster
One math challenge that I have faced this year is understanding how to add fractions. I didn't entirely know what to do. I failed a lot, but then with lots of practice, I finally figured out what to do and succeeded. Don't be afraid of failure because it's a necessary step to success. -@PotatoHead
One challenge I faced in math this year is long division. I overcame this challenge by working at the white board tables with my classmates and talking about strategies as well as starting with easy problems. Getting the easy problems right helped me be able to make them harder and harder. I did this for a few weeks and would sometimes get stuck, but I kept doing it until I finally mastered it. My advice to someone who is struggling in math is to stick with a tactic that helps you and keep practicing until you get it right. - @imadog697
I have faced many challenges in math, but long division was the biggest challenge. I started off doing it a weird way and it made all of my answers wrong. I finally decided to get some help from a teacher and then it made sense. My advice to anyone struggling with math is to ask for help - even adults need help with things sometimes. If you don't ask for help, you will never, ever, and I mean, ever, be successful in life. - @JuniorBean
