In Year One, we do lots of hands on learning, this
provides us with many opportunities to experiment and make meaning from the
concepts we have learnt. We participated in lots of hands on activities over
the last couple of weeks and we have had lots of fun discovering and learning
in a safe and supportive environment.
Here is a snap shot of one of our Math sessions:
Some more information about hands on learning:
Research has proven that students who are taught using
hands-on teaching methods with manipulatives outperform those who are not. It
is true for many subjects but most documented in mathematics as acquisition of
early math knowledge and skills is the most important predictor not only for
later math achievement but also for achievement in other content areas (Amy
Claessens, The University of Chicago and Mimi Engel, Vanderbilt University,
2013).
Math is often thought of as a subject that relies on
memorization of facts and practicing skills, but the true test of success in
mathematics comes when a student must figure out an answer but can’t remember a
fact, or has forgotten a skill. Hands-on learning drives authentic
understanding and application versus memorization algorithms, or “tricks.”
Students who use manipulatives create physical evidence of thinking and
reasoning, solve problems, and make sense of mathematical ideas.
