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Primary Math - Best Instruction Methods Studied
The Canadian Council on Learning has released a meta-analysis of the most promising practices in primary mathematics instruction.
While the authors set out to prove that child-centred practices would be the method of choice, after examining some of the research literature published over the last seventeen years they concluded that:
“the use of specific appropriate learning strategies is more important than the use of learning strategies in general. Indeed, we found treatments featuring teacher-led learning strategy instruction to be the most effective.”
In other words child-centred practices are not as effective as teacher-directed specific instruction, and teachers and teacher training may be the most important factor in achievement. The authors also found that computer use was not the best way to enhance mathematics instruction in the primary grades.
Readers of this blog who have young students or a child who is struggling with math might want to look at SQE’s Stairway to Math practice math sheets. The materials are designed to help students improve their math skills.