At Mathnasium of Pleasant Hill, we are committed to transforming the way students understand and engage with math. Our approach focuses on conceptual learning, which goes beyond rote memorization to foster a deep and meaningful understanding of mathematical principles. This method not only helps students excel academically but also equips them with the critical thinking skills necessary for long-term success.
What is Conceptual Math?
Conceptual math teaching emphasizes understanding the 'why' and 'how' behind mathematical concepts, rather than just memorizing procedures and formulas. This approach encourages students to grasp the underlying principles of math, enabling them to apply their knowledge to a variety of problems and real-life situations.
The Mathnasium Method
At Mathnasium, our unique teaching methodology is designed to build a strong mathematical foundation for every student. We achieve this through:
1. Customized Learning Plans: Each student receives a personalized learning plan based on a comprehensive assessment of their strengths and areas for improvement.
2. Engaging Instruction: Our instructors use a combination of visual, auditory, and hands-on techniques to make learning math enjoyable and effective.
3. Real-World Applications: We connect math concepts to real-life scenarios, helping students understand the relevance and importance of what they are learning.
An Example of Conceptual Learning in Action
Consider the concept of fractions, which many students find challenging. Instead of simply teaching students to memorize rules for adding and subtracting fractions, we focus on helping them understand what fractions represent and how they work.
Example: Adding Fractions
Traditional Approach: Students might learn to add fractions by memorizing the rule that they need a common denominator.
Conceptual Approach: At Mathnasium, we begin by exploring the meaning of fractions. We use visual aids such as fraction bars or pie charts to show how fractions represent parts of a whole. For example, to add 1/4 and 1/3, we first help students understand that these fractions need to be converted to a common unit.
We illustrate this by showing that 1/4 is the same as 3/12 and 1/3 is the same as 4/12. By visualizing these fractions on a number line or with manipulatives, students see that adding 3/12 and 4/12 results in 7/12. This method helps students grasp why the procedure works, rather than just how to perform it.
Supporting Students with Special Needs
Our community continues to face challenges in overcoming the pandemic-related decline in math proficiency. At Mathnasium of Pleasant Hill, we are ready to provide the necessary support to help all students succeed, particularly those with special needs. Our conceptual teaching approach is especially beneficial for students with learning differences, such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, mental slowness, and short-term memory difficulties. By breaking down complex ideas into understandable parts and using multisensory teaching methods, we ensure that every student can achieve success in math.
A Community Commitment
Mathnasium of Pleasant Hill is dedicated to helping our community overcome the current decline in math proficiency. We work closely with local schools and institutions to provide the support needed to help every student succeed. Our summer programs, special promotions, and ongoing partnerships are all part of our commitment to making math accessible and enjoyable for all.
Join Us Today
If you're looking for a math tutoring center that truly understands the importance of conceptual learning, look no further than Mathnasium of Pleasant Hill. We invite families to experience the difference our approach can make. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help your child achieve their full potential in math.
For more insights into the importance of addressing math learning loss and recovery efforts, you can read the full article by Lauren Lumpkin at The WashingtonPost Here.
Together, we can make math a subject that every child understands and loves.
