What is guided math?

 

 

Guided Math is a structure for teaching whereby a teacher supports each child’s development of mathematical proficiency at increasing levels of difficulty, within the context of a small group.  It is premised on the idea that working with children in small groups, provides powerful possibilities for reaching all children where they enter and taking them to the next level.  In Guided Math groups, students engage in standards-based, rigorous, engaging meaning making learning opportunities where the teacher focuses on a particular concept, strategy or skill. Teachers facilitate this learning through hands-on, scaffolded conversations and intensive questioning.

Guided math provides a structure for teachers to differentiate instruction so they can reach and teach every student by:

• Creating flexible small groups that allow students to work in their zone of proximal development so they can learn exactly what they need to know at their instructional level
• Creating activities that tap into student’s individual learning styles and interests so they stay engaged
• Providing immediate feedback so the student can adjust their work
• Questioning students in small groups so they have an opportunity to talk with their peers, ask questions and justify their mathematical thinking
• Allowing teachers to re-teach, reinforce, expand and compact concepts, strategies and skills
• Providing short lessons that emphasize conceptual understanding, procedural fluency or problem solving
• Scaffolding lessons so that they can be taught at a concrete level, pictorial level or abstract level
• Ultimately providing students with the self confidence they need to become successful mathematicians

Guided math is a proven instructional strategy that every teacher needs in their toolkit.  Dr. Nicki can provide you and your staff the strategies and tools needed to implement guided math in your school or district today.

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