Colleagues,
Below are some comments from the June 8th conversation about using tutors to improve adult learner math skills. Key concerns from participants included concerns about getting enough math tutors to help students pass their GED.
- Research says that one of the biggest barriers to success is a perceived or real gap in student background knowledge and course demands
- Tip: establish that we understand there may be gaps in knowledge and we will start wherever they are.
- So many of students are convinced understanding is for other people and their job is to fake it and past the test.
- Tip: Check out this blog: Will this be on the test?
- There is a body of research that indicates a gap between thinking logically compared to solving problems like they were taught in math class.
- Tip: Ensure reading comprehension is taught in conjunction with math comprehension.
- The NAEP lists 5 content areas, in adult education content standards there are 4 buckets...
- Number Sense and Operations
- Geometry and Measurement
- Data Analysis and Probability
- Patterns, Reasoning, and Algebraic Thinking
- Tip: The students only need to understand and how to use I0, 1, 2, 5,10 multiplication.
Additional websites that were shared include
https://www.openmiddle.com/
https://www.youcubed.org/
https://adultnumeracynetwork.org/
Chime in with your ideas on how to use and support tutors in the math classroom.
Sincerely,
Kathy Tracey