Monday, November 17, 2008

Interactive math

Studies have shown the need for interactive math in our curriculum. In the traditional style of learning math, there is no place for the students’ interaction. Teachers simply define a theory and show them the definite steps to solve the problem. Here, the students are simply following the teacher without understanding the basic concepts of math. This will not help the students practically, later on in their life.

When they enter into business and trade, emphasis is laid on the problem solving and communication skills. Interactive math is the best way that prepares the students to face the real life problem solving situations with courage, confidence and ability. Now, most of the schools have shifted the focus of teaching math the interactive way. It includes the students’ active participation in their task of learning math. Education has now shifted from teacher oriented to student oriented. This is the basic guiding principle behind interactive math. Children are given enough opportunities to enter into discussions regarding math concepts and problems. This will illuminate their thinking power and they are actively involved in the process of learning. In this process, students are not mere passive listeners.

The best method of teaching interactive math is through games and activities. Students can play the interactive math games in the school or at home with their peer or siblings. Computer also provides a lot of interactive games through many websites and game software. All these interactive games help the students to internalize the basic concepts of math keeping up with the competitive spirit they offer. Through these games, students can share varied approaches to solve a problem and thus expand the level of thinking of everyone. They are also forced to discover different game strategies, which will stimulate their logical thinking.

An example of an interactive online math game is math search, which encourages the child to think logically and analytically. It also makes them use their basic math operations. It requires a student to solve a math problem and then find the answer from the grid of numbers. The difficulty of the game is increased as the student progresses. A certain pressure is exerted on the students by the time clock, which shows the passage of time as the child goes on with his game. It helps to keep the competitive spirit of the game. Thus, the child learns to solve his math problem quickly and correctly.

Another set of interactive math game offered by websites is a base ten-block addition, which includes base ten blocks to model grouping. Through color patterns game, you can arrange colors to complete patterns. You can also use pattern blocks to use geometric shapes and solve problems through pattern block games.

You can also modify the ordinary games and include math concepts in those games. For example, you can play Uno through such a method. Instead of matching color or number on the card that is face up, you can play Uno by matching two or more number cards that add up to a number.
Thus, interactive math can be used to lay the foundation of basic math concepts in your child strongly.

Find Your Interactive Math Games Here

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