
One day during the 2016-2017 school year, I randomly decided to ask my students to explain to me the math in a situation that involved fractions. I gave them a scenario similar to this:
"I don't understand how some fractions can have a whole number. Imagine that I have trouble with fractions. I don't know any fraction language like numerator or denominator. How can you all help me understand fractions?"
I had to repeatedly interrupt my students to tell them I don't understand what they're saying because they would use math-based words. They were doing exactly what I want I normally wanted them to do. They were Attending to Precision. However, they couldn't explain it to me in a real-world situation. This posed a significant concern for me because the primary objective of learning math in school is for students to recognize its relevance to their lives and understand its practical applications.
Throughout the year, I regularly engaged my students in the same activity. Eventually, I made it an official routine and named it "Attend From Precision." Emphasizing precision will always be a must in my classroom. Although we consistently use mathematical language, it is crucial for me to ensure that my students understand the meaning of these math terms and recognize how they manifest in their daily lives. Ultimately, the primary goal of math education is for students to apply and utilize their knowledge in real-life situations.
The "Attend From Precision" activity has proven to be a valuable tool in bridging the gap between mathematical language and its real-world application in my classroom. By encouraging students to articulate mathematical concepts without relying on technical jargon, I witnessed a deeper level of understanding and connection to their everyday experiences. "Attend From Precision" serves as a reminder that mathematical proficiency extends beyond the classroom, empowering students to confidently engage with math in the world around them.
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