Onlineteaching Maths and English: Feb 23, 2015

Monday, February 23, 2015

Top 4 Basic Math Skills Students Should Learn

Here are the top 4 basic math skills every student should learn.

Problem solving. You don't learn this from the time you start learning math. But this is a basic skill that each student should learn as it enables them to develop analytical thinking. There are certain situations in life that allow you to be analytical and it is crucial when making decisions. This is a skill in math we all have to develop to hone and enhance our analytical brains to be able to analyze situations more before acting upon it.

Applied Math. This is something every student should learn - applying math in everyday situations. Everyday we are presented with different math situations and students should be able to handle those with confidence. This skill will also help students appreciate the importance of math even more as they can relate it to their everyday life.

Estimation and approximation. This is one skill you will put to use almost everyday. Measurements are everywhere and whatever it is you are buying you are at some point estimating and making approximations. Math teaches you techniques on estimating and approximating length, distance, quantity, weight, and many others that you will eventually use on some days or everyday. Such skill will allow you to know when measurement is already precise or accurate for any purpose you might need it to be.

Necessary computational skills. This is by far among the very important basic math skills you should be able to learn and understand. Everyday situations require you to be knowledgeable in computations of whole numbers or fractions, decimals and this should be done without any calculator. Most of the time people hardly bring calculator with them when they go shopping thus mental computation is a must learn skill. Also, it can be a hassle trying to run through all of the things inside your bag just to look for your reliable calculator especially when you are in a hurry. Basic mental computation is a must to solve daily computational problems without any hassle.

Math Teacher Web Sites

1. BEAM: Be a Mathematician

2. BOXERmath.com

3. The Concept and Teaching of Mathematical Place Value

4. Illuminations

5. K-8 Interactive Math Exercises

6. Making Mathematics: Mentored Research Projects for Young Mathematicians

7. Materials For Math Educators

8. The Math Forum Teachers' Place

9. Math Forum: Teacher2Teacher

10. The Math Projects Journal

11. MathsNet