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Boosting Creative Thinking in Math Class
Boosting Creative Thinking in Math Class
I'll admit it: I was skeptical of how "creative-thinking" strategies in math would go over with my 4th grade enrichment students. I see these students just once a week in pull-out groups, so every lesson counts. And I was nervous that this one might be a complete disaster.
My students usually solve math problems to practice a specific skill. Then we discuss the different ways they approached the problem, helping them understand the skill more deeply. This lesson, however, called for the students to write their own math problems. How would my students react when I put them in charge of their own learning?
I knew that, if it was successful, this lesson would get right to the heart of Common Core Mathematical Practice Standard #3, helping my students learn to "construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others."
Our opening problem: When does 1 + 1 = 24?
(Can you solve it?)
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