Search
Close this search box.

Teaching Subject-Matter Thinking via Fictional Scenarios

Credit: iStock.com/ikonacolor
Credit: iStock.com/ikonacolor
Dan Meyer pointed out in his 2010 TED Talk that math instruction tends to leave out the most important part of real-world problems: the process of analyzing a novel situation to determine what information and formulas are needed to solve the problem. Teachers bypass this first step by providing students with formulas and information, and the students learn to just plug the numbers into the formulas. They learn the process of doing math but not the mathematical thinking needed to do math in the real world. Meyer suggested that students should instead be given open-ended situations with a range of information, both relevant and irrelevant, and an open-question that requires them to put the problem itself together by identifying the relevant formulas and information, just as is needed in real life.

To continue reading, you must be a Teaching Professor Subscriber. Please log in or sign up for full access.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

I have two loves: teaching and learning. Although I love them for different reasons, I’ve been passionate about...
In a world of deepfakes, it’s not uncommon to see videos of famous celebrities saying or doing things...
It seems like the most basic of course tasks: reading the syllabus. Yet, so often, student don’t do...
What percentage of numbers contain the digit 3? You might guess 10 percent, but in reality, almost all...
Over the past several years, I have had the deep privilege of participating in The Way of Remembering...
An integral part of the college experience is the exploration of possible academic majors and career paths that...
Many faculty members are focused on keeping AI out of the classroom. However, the real focus should be...

Get unlimited access to The Teaching Professor

Stay informed. Subscribe Now.

WELCOME OFFER

$19.00 $14.00/month

for your first 6 months. Use coupon code TP6MO.

$19.00 thereafter. Cancel anytime.

Enjoy unlimited access to all of The Teaching Professor

You only have  free article views remaining.

WELCOME OFFER

$19.00 $14.00/month

for your first 6 months. Use coupon code TP6MO.

$19.00 a month thereafter. Cancel anytime.

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to limited free articles, news alerts, and select newsletters

Login here

Are you signed up for free weekly Teaching Professor updates?

You'll get notified of the newest articles.