Graspable Math
- Algebra
- ISCED 2 = Upper Secondary Education
- English
Introduction
It is an innovative interactive digital tool for teaching and learning mathematics. It is mainly focused on manipulating numerical and algebraic expressions and solving equations. It allows students to interact directly with algebraic expressions and equations.
Learning Outcomes
When paired with cognitive strategies, metacognitive strategies have been shown to increase the understanding and ability of students with mathematics learning difficulties and disabilities to solve mathematics problems.
Middle school students who received cognitive and metacognitive strategy instruction outperformed peers who received typical math instruction
How Does It Work
It allows exploration, conjecture and deduction, performing various methods of distribution, expansion, simplification and other manipulations involving both the equations and their associated geometric representations.
It also has a useful ability to allow students to track a specific variable from one step to the next, meaning that students can see where various elements of the equation end up from beginning to end and catch errors early on. Not just a simple symbolic calculator that directly solves equations, students cannot simply write an equation in and get the answer, but must work through and apply the mathematical transformations allowed to solve it.
The activities involve applying transformations to both members of an equation, passing elements between them, combining, simplifying or expanding expressions, until they find the solution/s of the equation step by step.
Why Is It A Good Practice?
It is innovative, builds on the cognitive mechanisms of mathematical thinking, allows learning by doing and has an attractive design for students. Moreover, educators can create activities that suit their students.
Assessment
The student receives instant feedback and the teacher can review each student’s work.
Inclusion
The design of the tool helps to overcome the obstacle of formal notation, it has intuitive, fluid and simple interfaces, based on modern and innovative web designs.
All of this helps to bring learners closer together and enhance learning experiences for all learners, including those with learning difficulties.
