I’d like to take some time to discuss the science and art of teaching math. I call it a science because much research has been done into how children learn in general and especially math. I call it an art because each child is different, requiring … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Teaching Math
RightStart Mathematics
Dr. Cotter on Math Anxiety
Math anxiety can be thought of as a learned fear of numbers or anything to do with math. It results in feelings of tension and fear at the sight of numbers or math symbols, causing poor performance in math, especially on tests. Sadly, in the U.S., … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Math Anxiety
Dr. Cotter on Problem Solving
A few years ago while on a shuttle to speak at a math convention, I started talking to a young man next to me. When he found out I was involved in math, he said he could solve story problems as long as someone told him what operation to use. The … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Problem Solving
Dr. Cotter on Multivides
Did you check out our blog on division? And did you read about short division? Isn't that just wonderful? Now, let's talk about some practice for short division. When I was a child, my mother created puzzles for my siblings and me. They were … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Multivides
Dr. Cotter on Addition and Subtraction Facts
Addition Addition can be thought of as finding the whole when the parts are known. Place value greatly simplifies finding the sum of two numbers. To be efficient in adding, we start with the sums of numbers 1 + 1 through 9 + 9. These are best … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Addition and Subtraction Facts
Dr. Cotter on Measurements
Measurement is an application of math that is an important part of everyday life. We measure length, area, volume, mass (weight), temperature, time, angles, and many other attributes. For more than simple comparisons, we need numbers and a basic … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Measurements
