March 10: Chapter 6

Teaching Mathematics to the Adolescent Brain

"The researchers found that adolescents used more of their prefrontal cortex than adults. Actually, the amount of prefrontal cortex used was simiilar to what adult brains use when performing much more complex tasks." (pg 134) Possible implications to these findings are "overworking of the frontal lobes leads to impulsive and more emotional (rather than rational) responses during problem solving." (pg 135)

Teens in other countries spend much more time with adults than with their peers, and do not exhibit the immature behavior of teens in North America.

The adolescent brain may actually have an enhanced aptitude for learning algebra more easily than the adult brain.

Students are more likely to be successful in learning math if teachers use instructional strategies that are compatible with their students' cognitive styles.

Since adolescents are surrounded by visual images, it makes sense to use visual tools in the mathematics classroom. Graphic organizers are one type of visual tool.

Homework assignments should not have a heavy weight in a student's class average.