Can Math Trailblazers facilitate teaching children with diverse learning styles and ability levels in a heterogeneous classroom?
A. Extensive use of math tools, such as manipulatives, calculators, pictures, tables, and graphs, provides students with multiple entry points for learning. Some students can approach a problem concretely using manipulatives or patterns while others may solve it symbolically with numbers. Mathematical situations are represented in different ways, giving students different ways to look at a problem. With Math Trailblazers, schools should find that they do not need to ability-group in mathematics, even if they ability-group for other subject areas. Extra opportunities are provided throughout the program for students who are looking for special challenges. Many activities include extensions that take a lesson a bit further or in a new direction. The Daily Practice and Problems in Grades 35 regularly include “TIMS Challenges”interesting problems that can be assigned to the entire class or to students who are ready for additional work.
