Understanding Mathematical Reasoning

The elusive, hard-to-teach, super-important skill!

Mathematical reasoning isn’t explicitly taught the same way that division or multiplication is taught. Mathematical reasoning develops after plenty of experience using numbers, quantity, numerical relationships and problem solving. Think of it like hand-eye coordination in baseball. You can teach kids the basics of how to throw, catch, and bat. But until children actually experience hitting and missing the ball many times, they won’t develop great hand-eye coordination.

Mathematical reasoning allows people to solve a math problem without algorithms, or a set process. There is no place other than the classroom where math looks like a bunch of problems on a sheet of paper. In life, and in careers, math springs up in context with bigger issues. Mathematical reasoning is a critical skill in these situations, or when a student forgets a formula or algorithm.

The best way to develop mathematical reasoning abilities in children is giving them opportunities to problem solve in a variety of ways. Learning to use and apply mathematical reasoning to problems takes more time and exploration than typically given in the classroom. It also requires children to really think and wrestle with concepts, which may cause some discomfort at first, especially if they are used to figuring out answers quickly. Children also gain mathematical reasoning by thinking about and describing mathematical strategies and why certain strategies are (or aren’t) effective. The process of describing their thoughts requires analysis about the mathematical concepts.

At Mathnasium of Littleton we encourage mathematical thinking in several ways.
We ask children probing questions.
We give children plenty of opportunity for practicing skills in a variety of ways.
We encourage children to ask questions.
We play games to enhance divergent thinking.
We encourage every child to keep working on harder and more complex problems for true mastery.
We use a curriculum and individualized learning plan to customize the instruction and pace to every child.

Have more questions about mathematical reasoning? Give us a call or text us 303-979-9077!