Math students need rich math problems that require them to wrestle with math concepts. By regularly playing with really good problems, students get really good at math. Without really good problems, it’s harder for students to get really good at math. Good problems also open up the beauty and function of math. To someone who is not a math teacher, this may sound trivial, but let me assure you, it is not.
There exist an abundance of great math problems, but they are not stored or indexed anywhere that makes it easy for me (or any math teacher) to find the great problems that I need to teach well. Finding or creating great problems is so time consuming that I either take time away from my students or settle for mediocre problems.
Math teachers (and, I imagine, elementary school teachers that teach math) need a bank of great problems. I’m calling it the Math Grapple Bank (the MGB) because it has become common to refer to this sort of rich mathematical problem as a grapple problem. To be effective, the MGB needs to borrow qualities that we find in some of the most effective public websites.
These are just the first thoughts of one math teacher. I look forward to joining together with many like-minded teachers and programmers to make this a reality. While it is not “the” solution for math education, I expect it will have a major positive impact.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW
There exist an abundance of great math problems, but they are not stored or indexed anywhere that makes it easy for me (or any math teacher) to find the great problems that I need to teach well. Finding or creating great problems is so time consuming that I either take time away from my students or settle for mediocre problems.
Math teachers (and, I imagine, elementary school teachers that teach math) need a bank of great problems. I’m calling it the Math Grapple Bank (the MGB) because it has become common to refer to this sort of rich mathematical problem as a grapple problem. To be effective, the MGB needs to borrow qualities that we find in some of the most effective public websites.
- Wikipedia--Like Wikipedia, the MGB will be written by a plethora of volunteers. When a math enthusiast anywhere comes up with a great problem, she will post it and index it. Users will also help to vet the entries. It goes without saying that the MGB must be a free and open resource.
- Google--The MGB will be searchable. If I’m looking for rich problems that can introduce systems of linear equations, the MGB will quickly and easily provide several grapple problems that could be perfect for me. We will be able to search by standard, learning target, part of learning cycle (introduction, application), technology required, length, difficulty, etc.
- Amazon--Like Amazon, users will rate and write reviews of the problems. A sophisticated vetting/sorting/indexing/reviewing process will not only identify the “best” problems but also differentiate the problems for different teaching situations.
These are just the first thoughts of one math teacher. I look forward to joining together with many like-minded teachers and programmers to make this a reality. While it is not “the” solution for math education, I expect it will have a major positive impact.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW
- Your ideas for the MGB, and
- If you’d like to be involved in creating it.