Solving Weaknesses in Math Education using Project Based Learning

Posted by David Wetzel

Project Based Learning and Math

Estimates are about 80 percent of Math Education at the K-12 level is strictly focused on solving math problems without any real-world context (Computational Thinking and Math Maturity: Improving Math Education in K-8 Schools, Dave Moursund, 2007). Students’ math learning strategies are narrowly confined to written and mental skills, speed, and accuracy in solving problems.

The weakness of this approach is there is not enough emphasis on placing math problems within a real world context. This is often referred to as the root of students constantly complaining – “Why do I need to learn this, I will never use it!”

Math Teaching Framework

The following is a framework for teaching math for conceptual understanding and making real world connections.

• Math Problems – these comes in form of numerical and word problems for developing a reasonable level of speed and accuracy in performing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on integers, decimal fractions, and fractions. This also applies to knowledge of basic algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, and other higher math topics.

• Solving Math Problems – emphasis is on learning course material through rote memorization of steps and procedures in preparation for the next course. This strategy does not prepare students in developing the skills necessary to transfer new math knowledge and skills into other subject areas or into situations requiring the use of math outside the math classroom.

• Real World Math Problems – students need to be taught math is the foundation of product purchases, engineering, culinary arts, medical fields, sciences, geography, sports, and more real world applications.

• Solving Real World Math Problems – the ideal approach for integrating real world math into math classes is through the use of project based learning. Other titles for this type of teaching are problem based learning or inquiry based learning. Whatever you want to call it – students are solving basic math problems with the context of real world math.

Project Based Learning

For teachers new to project based learning, the following are recommendations for helping you integrate this strategy and helping students make math connections to real world applications.

• Start Small – do not try to completely reinvent your teaching strategies and techniques all at once. Integrate project based learning into one chapter per unit at a time. This will help you work out the kinks and become more comfortable in later units.

• Train Your Students – you will often find students may not be used to this style of teaching and learning. Just like you are transforming your teaching strategies, your students need to learn how to transform themselves into self-directed learners, presenters, and problems solvers.

• Use Interdisplinary Projects – work with teachers in other subject areas if possible to create and begin projects. This helps you in getting feedback from colleagues and also helps students make those all important connections outside the classroom.

For teachers who are veterans with project based learning integration, try using the following strategies:

• Mentorship – become a mentor for a colleague who is striking out into the world of project based learning. This helps you by becoming stronger in using this strategy and you also have the opportunity to gain insights into new project based learning activities through this collaboration.

• Technology – try integrating new technological tools, especially Web 2.0 tools, into your students’ projects. Other technology tools include the use of interactive whiteboards, global-positioning-system (GPS) devices, digital still cameras, video cameras, and associated editing equipment.

• Collaborative Projects – if projects do not currently rely on collaboration with other classrooms or schools, try a multi-classroom approach. This can be accomplished by contacting colleagues in your within your school, colleagues in classrooms in other schools in your district or state, or other classrooms in schools in other countries.

Using these strategies help your students make connections to the world outside their classroom and most importantly build bridges to higher levels of learning and math understanding.

The road in mathematics can take many paths; however, solving real world math problems must move beyond its current estimated of only 20 percent application in math today. This approach will alleviate the inherent weaknesses in mathematics teaching and learning today.

Additional Resources

6 Steps to Creating a Project Based Learning Activity

Project Based Learning - Chemistry or Physical Science

Pythagorean Theorem - Real World Context