In this post, we are going to continue analyzing the book How I Wish I’d Taught Maths by Craig Barton about evidence-based education. Today we are going to highlight the role that examples play in teaching mathematics and how to use them instead of mere definitions and instrumental rules. Examples vs. Definitions It is clear […]

At Smartick we know that math is behind almost everything, and a leap year is no different. The reasons related to the Julian calendar and subsequent change of the Gregorian calendar are well known. However, the mathematical reasons that determine whether or not a year is a leap year are lesser-known. So, in order to […]

In this post, we continue with our analysis of Craig Barton’s book, How I Wish I’d Taught Maths about evidence-based education. Today we will discuss the chapter about deliberate practice and the five stages that should be followed in order to teach a complex process. When we introduce a complex process, it is necessary to […]

Number Sense When speaking about mathematics most people think it is the ability to count, add and subtract numbers, or the ability to solve complex math equations. But, what comes before counting and the ability to recognize numbers? Number sense! In other words, the primitive ability to recognize and represent amounts without using numerical symbols […]

In an earlier post, we explained the difference between interleaving and blocked practice. Remember that interleaving (mixed practice) basically consists of organizing tasks by mixing different problems and exercises together in order to avoid solving problems in a mechanical way and instead stimulating the child to reflect on the strategy needed to solve each problem. […]