Learning Opportunity

Looking at Big Ideas in Math (K-Grade 3)

This session has been completed.
Facilitator: Keith Van De Keere
Date:January 29, 2021
Time:1:00 pm to 3:00 pm MTN
Cost:
No Charge
Location: Barrhead (Barrhead Elementary School)
5103 53 Avenue
Google Map
Session Code: 21-DD-PH-KVK-137
Focus: Mathematics and Numeracy

Target Audience

K-Grade 3 Teachers

About this Learning Opportunity

This session will explore:

  • How to using models and context to bring math alive and help students see the math in action
  • How to engage students in decision making and critical thinking
  • How to help students construct meaning rather than just following rules to get answers

Answering the three most important questions in every math class.

We will apply these teaching strategies to:

  • Count forward and backward on a number line and while counting things
  • Locate quantities and navigating a number line
  • Learn the two meanings of subtraction

All learning opportunities with the ERLC regional team will focus on the Alberta Education and district priority areas.

This learning opportunity is being subsidized through funding from Alberta Education.

About the Facilitator

Keith Van De Keere believes that when math teaching is focused on deep understanding of the big ideas, students have a better chance of experiencing enduring success, and teachers can better see the natural flow between teaching and assessment. To promote and support this kind of teaching, Keith takes these ideas into K-9 classrooms to work with teachers to modify and adapt what the teacher is already doing by making the focus more about getting students to investigate Math Big Ideas and to observe and analyze the math in action. The focus of lessons is on conversations within a community of learners with a goal of understanding and improving number sense rather than just having ways to get answers. To do this, teachers who work with Keith are taught how to design lessons that are infused with visual and verbal experiences. Keith also helps teachers become "kid watchers" and improve their ability to "listen in" on conversations and use them as formative assessment moments. Keith has worked with Dr. Cathy Fosnot, who is a North American leader in constructivist learning and changing the culture of math classrooms. He has also worked with K-9 teachers and school divisions in Ontario, Manitoba, San Francisco and Hartford but does the majority of his work supporting teachers in North Central Alberta.