Reimagining Middle School Math: A Shift to Problem-Solving and Real-World Application
Nadine Galante has taught Middle School Math at American School of The Hague (ASH) for 19 years. Middle School is a critical period when students go through significant developmental and formative changes, both academically and personally. While they begin exploring their personal identity and figuring out how they fit into the world, they also build the academic and organizational skills that will carry them through high school and beyond. Nadine shares her insights into how math teaching has evolved over the years, with a greater emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application.
Evolving Math Education: Creativity and Critical Thinking
In the past, math teaching focused heavily on memorization –students were expected to memorize formulas and procedures. Nadine reflects on a shift in math education, saying,"There’s been a bigger push now to teach the ‘big ideas’ and how to apply the knowledge they are learning." This shift reflects a broader change in educational philosophy, where students are encouraged to understand the reasoning behind mathematical concepts rather than simply memorizing them. An inquiry-based approach now allows students to explore the relationships between variables and grasp the logic behind each step more clearly. This way of learning equips them with the skills to approach real-life situations – whether it’s budgeting, understanding data trends, or analyzing structures in engineering.
This focus on applying mathematical knowledge beyond the classroom is crucial, as students often struggle to see the relevance of math in everyday life. By encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving, Nadine helps her students develop skills that they will use as they grow older and face more complex challenges.
Balancing Technology and Traditional Methods
Another significant change in math education over the last two decades is the increasing integration of technology in the classroom. Tools ranging from graphing calculators to artificial intelligence programs have expanded students' learning experiences. Interactive apps and digital resources can provide visual representations that make abstract concepts more accessible and easier to grasp. At the same time, Nadine proposes that both modern technology and traditional methods – like pen-and-paper problem solving – can be just as effective for certain topics. “We have to pick and choose what [resource or technology] is appropriate and when,” says Nadine. Teaching students to use different resources – whether it's mental math, digital tools, or written calculations – equips them with a versatile set of skills they can draw on depending on the situation.
Nadine also highlights the importance of teaching students how to use technology responsibly. While calculators and apps can make math quicker and easier, students still need to develop critical thinking and analytical skills without becoming overly dependent on technology.
Building Relationships to Encourage Risk-Taking
As an international school, ASH serves students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds. This diversity brings a range of abilities, interests, and learning experiences into every classroom. For Nadine, it has always been essential to adapt her teaching to meet the needs of each student, but she believes that effective teaching begins with building strong relationships. "We are people first, teachers and students second," Nadine emphasizes. She explains that fostering positive connections is the foundation for successful learning. "Students need to feel noticed and cared for before they take any academic risks in the classroom."
Academic risk-taking – such as trying out new problem-solving methods, asking questions, or tackling complex tasks – can be particularly daunting for some students, especially in a subject like math where they may fear making mistakes. Nadine works to create a classroom environment where students feel supported and safe to explore challenging concepts. By building trust and showing genuine care for their well-being, Nadine helps students step out of their comfort zones. "Students need to feel successful," Nadine explains. "If a teacher can create moments where students experience small successes, they will be encouraged to keep going and trying." To achieve this, she offers different levels of practice problems so students can work at an appropriate level of challenge. Engaging students through collaborative work is another strategy she employs, encouraging them to communicate, share ideas, and solve problems together.
As a teacher, Nadine believes that professional growth is crucial. “Any good teacher should keep evolving,” she says. “You try something new, reflect on how it went, make adjustments if necessary, and try again.” Nadine stays connected with her students by regularly checking in with them and adjusting her lessons based on their feedback and progress. “Are they engaged, and are they able to demonstrate mastery? If not, gather more information and make adjustments.”
By shifting the focus of math teaching from memorization to creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application, students in Middle School are equipping themselves with the skills and strategies for their success in the future. In Nadine’s class, besides equipping her students with both innovative technology and traditional methods, she ensures a balanced and adaptable learning experience where students of diverse learning levels can thrive. Most importantly, Nadine emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships in the classroom, fostering trust, and encouraging students to take academic risks.