The Edvocate

Top Menu

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • Books
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Edupedia
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • PreK-12
    • Assessment
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development
    • Classroom Management
    • Early Childhood
    • EdTech & Innovation
    • Education Leadership
    • Equity
    • First Year Teachers
    • Gifted and Talented Education
    • Parental Involvement
    • Policy & Reform
    • Special Education
    • Teachers
  • Higher Ed
    • Best Colleges and Universities
    • Best College and University Programs
    • Diversity
    • HBCU’s
    • Higher Education
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • International Education
  • Advertise
  • The Tech Edvocate Awards
    • The Awards Process
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2022 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2021 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2020 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2019 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2018 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2017 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Award Seals
  • Apps
    • GPA Calculator for College
    • GPA Calculator for High School
    • Cumulative GPA Calculator
    • Grade Calculator
    • Weighted Grade Calculator
    • Final Grade Calculator
  • The Tech Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • P-20 Ed Careers

logo

The Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • Books
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Edupedia
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • PreK-12
    • Assessment
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development
    • Classroom Management
    • Early Childhood
    • EdTech & Innovation
    • Education Leadership
    • Equity
    • First Year Teachers
    • Gifted and Talented Education
    • Parental Involvement
    • Policy & Reform
    • Special Education
    • Teachers
  • Higher Ed
    • Best Colleges and Universities
    • Best College and University Programs
    • Diversity
    • HBCU’s
    • Higher Education
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • International Education
  • Advertise
  • The Tech Edvocate Awards
    • The Awards Process
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2022 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2021 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2020 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2019 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2018 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2017 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Award Seals
  • Apps
    • GPA Calculator for College
    • GPA Calculator for High School
    • Cumulative GPA Calculator
    • Grade Calculator
    • Weighted Grade Calculator
    • Final Grade Calculator
  • The Tech Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • P-20 Ed Careers
  • 7 Benefits of Continuing Education

  • 50 Research Paper Topics: Ideas to Inspire You

  • College Essay Topics and Prompts

  • Double Major: Everything You Need to Know

  • What is the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)?

  • 4 Tips on How to Manage Between Online Learning and Family

  • Nurturing Reflective Relationships in Your Classroom

  • Blame Your Principal for the Data Breach

  • The Future of Teacher Professional Development

  • Make Your School Safer with Tech

Math Education
Home›Math Education›Math Interventions That You Can Use in Your Classroom Today

Math Interventions That You Can Use in Your Classroom Today

By Matthew Lynch
July 5, 2021
3032
0
Spread the love

Are you looking for math interventions for your students? If so, we have you covered. In this article, we will discuss, in detail, math interventions that you can use in your classroom today.

Math Computation: Encourage Math Learners to Draw to Clarify Understanding

Making a drawing of a word problem is one easy heuristic tool that learners can use to help them find the solution. A benefit of the drawing tactic is that it can reveal to the instructor any learner misunderstandings about solving the word problem. The instructor hands out a worksheet containing at least six-word problems to introduce learners to the drawing strategy. The instructor explains to learners that making a picture of a word problem sometimes makes that problem clearer and easier to solve. The instructor and learners then independently create drawings of each of the problems on the worksheet. Next, the learners show their drawings for each problem, explaining each drawing and its relation to the word problem. The instructor also participates, explaining his or her drawings to the class or group. Then learners are directed independently to make drawings as an intermediate problem-solving step when they are faced with challenging word problems.

Math Computation: Improving Performance in Math Through a 4-Step Problem-Solving Approach

Learners can perform better on applied math problems if they use an efficient 4-step plan that includes understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back. (1) Understand the Problem. To fully grasp the problem, the learner may restate the problem in his or her words, note key information, and find missing info. (2) Devise a Plan. In mapping out a tactic to solve the problem, the learner may make a table or translate the verbal problem into an equation. (3) Carry Out the Plan. The learner implements the steps in the plan, showing work and checking work for each step. (4) Look Back. The learner checks the results. If the answer is presented as an equation, the learner puts the results in words and ensures that the answer addresses the question posed in the word problem. 

Math Computation: Boost Fluency Through Explicit Time-Drills

Explicit time drills are a method to boost learners’ rate of responding on math-fact worksheets. The instructor hands out the worksheet. Learners are told that they will have 3 minutes to work on problems on the sheet. The instructor starts the stopwatch and tells the learners to start work. After the first minute in the 3- minute span, the instructor’ calls time’, stops the stopwatch, and tells the learners to underline the last number written and to put their pencils in the air. Then learners are told to resume work, and the instructor restarts the stopwatch. This process is repeated after minutes 2 and 3. After the 3 minutes, the instructor collects the learner worksheets. Explicit time drills work best on math facts requiring a small number of steps. They are less effective on more complex math facts. Also, a less flexible version of this intervention is to use time-prompts while learners are working on math facts to quicken their response rate. At the end of each minute of seatwork, the instructor can call the time and have learners draw a line under the item that they are working on when that minute expires.

Math Computation: Motivate With ‘Errorless Learning’ Worksheets

Reluctant learners can be motivated to practice math number problems to build computational fluency when given worksheets that include an answer key displayed at the top of the page. In this incarnation of an ‘errorless learning’ approach, the learner is directed to complete math facts as quickly as possible. If the learner comes to a number problem that they cannot solve, the learner is encouraged to find the problem and its correct answer in the key at the top of the page and write it in. Such speed drills build computational fluency and prompt learners’ ability to visualize and use a mental number line. Consider turning this task into a ‘speed drill.’ The learner is given a kitchen timer and instructed to set the timer for each drill’s predetermined period. The learner completes as many problems as possible before the timer rings. The learner then graphs the number of problems computed each day on a time-series graph, attempting to better their last score.

Math Computation: How to Activate Academic Responding 

Research shows that when instructors use specific techniques to motivate their classes to engage in higher active and accurate academic responses, learner learning rates will go up. Here are two ideas to obtain an increased academic response on math tasks. First, break longer assignments into shorter tasks with performance feedback given after each shorter ‘chunk.’ Breaking longer assignments into smaller segments also allows the instructor to praise struggling learners for work completion and effort, providing an additional ‘natural’ reinforcer. Next, let learners respond to easier practice items orally rather than in written form to speed up the rate of correct responses.

Math Homework: Motivate Learners Through Reinforcers, Interesting Assignments, Homework Planners, and Self-Monitoring

Improve learners’ homework completion rate and quality by using reinforcers, motivating ‘real-life’ assignments, a homework planner, and learner self-monitoring. (1) Reinforcers: Allow learners to earn a small reward (e.g., additional free time) when they turn in all homework assignments for the week. (2) ‘Real-life’ Assignments: Make homework meaningful by connecting concepts being taught to learners’ lives. In a math lesson on estimating areas, give learners the homework assignment of calculating the area of their bedroom or another part of their hours and estimating the amount of paint needed to cover the walls. (3) Homework Planner: Teach learners to use a homework planner to jot down assignments, organize any materials needed for homework, transport homework safely back to school, and provide space for parents and instructors to communicate about homework through written school-home notes. (4) Learner Self-Monitoring: Direct learners to chart their homework completion each week. Have learners plot the number of assignments submitted on time in green, assignments not submitted in red, and assignments submitted late in yellow.

Math Instruction: Consolidate Learner Learning During Lecture Through the Peer-Guided Pause

During large-group math lectures, instructors can help learners retain more instructional content by incorporating brief Peer Guided Pause sessions into lectures. Learners are trained to work in pairs. During one or more appropriate review points in a lecture period, the instructor directs learners to pair up to work for 4 minutes. During each Peer Guided Pause, learners are given a worksheet with one or more completed word or number problems demonstrating the math concept(s) covered in the lecture. The sheet also has additional, similar problems that pairs of learners work cooperatively to complete, along with an answer key. Learner pairs are reminded to (a) monitor their understanding of the lesson concepts, (b) review the correct math model problem, (c) work cooperatively on the additional problems, and (d) check their answers. The instructor can direct learner pairs to write their names on the practice sheets and collect them as a convenient way to monitor learner understanding.

Math Instruction: Increase Learner Engagement and Improve Group Behaviors With Response Cards

Response cards can increase active learner engagement in group math activities while reducing disruptive behavior. In the group-response technique, all learners in the classroom are supplied with an erasable tablet, such as a chalk slate or laminated board with an erasable marker. The instructor instructs at a fast pace. The instructor begins by posing a question to the class. Learners are given sufficient wait time for each to write a response on his or her response card. The instructor then directs learners to present their cards. If the majority of the class has the correct answer, the instructor praises the group. If more than one-quarter of the learners record an incorrect answer on their cards, the instructor uses guided questions and demonstrations to steer learners to the right answer choice.

Math Instruction: Maintain a Supportive Atmosphere for Classroom “Math Talk” 

Instructors can promote greater learner ‘risk-taking’ in mathematics learning when cultivating a positive classroom atmosphere for math discussions while preventing peers from ridiculing each other. The instructor models behavioral expectations for open, interactive discussions, praises learners for their class participation and creative attempts at problem-solving and points out that incorrect answers and misunderstandings should be celebrated—as they often lead to breakthroughs in learning. The instructor uses open-ended comments (e.g., “What led you to that answer?”) as tools to draw out learners and encourage them to explore and apply math concepts in group discussion. Learners are also encouraged in a supportive manner to evaluate each other’s reasoning. However, the instructor intervenes immediately to prevent negative learner comments or ‘put-downs’ about peers. As with any negative classroom behavior, a first offense requires that the learner meet privately with the instructor to discuss instructor expectations for positive classroom behavior. If the learner continues to put down peers, the instructor imposes appropriate disciplinary consequences.

Math Instruction: Support Learners Through a Wrap-Around Instruction Plan

When instructors instruct learners in more complex math cognitive strategies, they must support struggling learners with a ‘wrap-around instructional plan. That plan implements several elements: (a) Assessment of the learner’s problem-solving skills. The instructor first verifies that the learner has the necessary academic competencies to learn high-level math content and reading/writing skills, knowledge of math operations, and grasp of required math vocabulary. (b) Explicit instruction. The instructor presents new math content in structured, highly organized lessons. The instructor also uses instructional tools such as Guided Practice and ‘overlearning.’ (c) Process modeling. The instructor adopts a ‘think aloud’ approach, or process modeling, to reveal their cognitive process to the class while using a cognitive tactic to solve a math problem. In turn, learners are encouraged to think aloud when applying the same tactic—first as part of a whole class or group, then independently. The instructor observes learners during process modeling to verify that they are correctly applying the cognitive strategy. (d) Performance feedback. Learners get performance feedback about their level of mastery in learning the cognitive tactic. That feedback can take several forms, including curriculum-based measurement, timely corrective feedback, specific praise and encouragement, grades, and brief instructor conferences. (e) Review of mastered skills or material. Once the learner has mastered a cognitive strategy, the instructor structures future class lessons or independent work to give the learner periodic opportunities to use and maintain the strategy. The instructor also provides occasional brief’ booster sessions’, reteaching steps of the cognitive strategy to improve learner retention.

Math Instruction: Unlock the Thoughts of Reluctant Learners Through Class Journaling

Learners can effectively clarify their knowledge of math concepts and problem-solving strategies through regular use of class’ math journals’. Journaling is an essential communication channel about math issues for learners who are unsure of their abilities and reluctant to contribute orally in class. At the start of the year, the instructor introduces the journaling assignment, telling learners that they will be asked to write weekly to instructor-posed questions. At first, the instructor presents ‘safe’ questions that tap into the learners’ opinions and attitudes about mathematics. As learners become comfortable with the journaling activity, the instructor starts to pose questions about the learners’ mathematical thinking relating to specific assignments. Learners are encouraged to use numerals, mathematical symbols, and diagrams in their journal entries to enhance their explanations. The instructor provides brief written comments on individual learner entries and oral feedback and to the class on the equality and content of class journal responses. Math journaling can prod learners to move beyond ‘rote’ mastery of the steps for completing math problems toward a grasp of the math concepts that underlie and explain a particular problem-solving approach. Instructors will find that journal entries are a concrete method for monitoring learner understanding of abstract math concepts. To facilitate the quality of journal entries, the instructor might also assign them an effort grade that will be calculated into math report card grades.

Math Problem-Solving: Help Learners Avoid Errors With the ‘Individualized Self-Correction Checklist’

Learners can improve their accuracy on types of word and number problems by using an ‘individualized self-instruction checklist’ that tells them to pay attention to their specific error patterns. To create such a checklist, the instructor meets with the learner. Together they analyze error patterns that the learner tends to commit on a particular problem type. For each type of error identified, the learner and instructor describe the appropriate step to prevent the error from occurring. These self-check items are collected into a single checklist. Learners are then encouraged to use their individualized self-instruction checklist whenever they work independently on their number or word problems. As older learners become proficient in creating and using these individualized error checklists, they can begin to analyze their math errors and make their checklists independently whenever they encounter new problem types.

Math Review: Balance Massed & Distributed Practice

Instructors can best promote learners’ acquisition and fluency in a newly taught math skill by transitioning from massed to distributed practice. When learners have recently acquired a math skill but are not yet fluent in its use, they need several chances to try out the skill under instructor supervision—a technique sometimes referred to as ‘massed practice. Once learners have developed facility with that new math skill, they must be required to use the skill to retain it; a tactic also known as ‘distributed practice.’ Instructors can program distributed practice of a math skill such as reducing fractions to least common denominators into the curriculum either by (a) regularly requiring the learner to complete short assignments in which they practice that skill in isolation or (b) teaching an advanced algorithm or problem-solving approach that incorporates, and requires repeated use of the previously learned math skill.

Math Review: Teach Effective Test-Preparation Strategies

A juxtaposition of the methods that high and low-achieving math learners typically use to prepare for tests suggests that struggling math learners need to be taught (1) specific test-review strategies and (2) time-management and self-advocacy skills. Among these strategies, deficient test-takers benefit from explicit instruction in taking adequate notes, adopting a method to review material for tests, and giving themselves additional practice in solving problems. Struggling test-takers also require pointers to manage their study time wisely, structure their study environment to increase concentration, and develop ‘self-advocacy skills such as seeking help from instructors when needed. Instructors can teach effective test prep methods as a whole-group instructional strategy.

Math Vocabulary: Pre-teach, Model, and Use Standard Math Terms

Three strategies can help learners learn essential math vocabulary: pre-teaching vocabulary items, modeling those vocabulary words and using universally accepted math terms in instruction. (1) Preteac math vocabulary. Math vocabulary provides learners with the language tools to grasp abstract mathematical concepts and to explain their reasoning. Preview math vocabulary as a regular part of the ‘background’ information that learners receive in preparation to learn math concepts or operations. (2) Model the vocabulary when new concepts are taught. Strengthen learners’ grasp of vocabulary by reviewing several math problems with the class, each time explicitly modeling the use of appropriate vocabulary to describe the concepts being taught. Then have learners engage in cooperative learning or individual practice activities in which they too must successfully use the new vocabulary—while the instructor provides targeted support to learners as needed. (3) Ensure that learners learn standard, accepted labels for common math terms and that they use them to describe their math problem-solving efforts

Previous Article

Reading Interventions That You Can Use in ...

Next Article

Writing Interventions That You Can Use in ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Math Education

    The Best Approaches to Early Math Instruction

    June 29, 2020
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Math EducationParental InvolvementParenting

    Why Parent Number Talk is Critical to Early Learning

    June 22, 2020
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Math Education

    Some Of The Most Challenging SAT Math Questions

    May 20, 2021
    By Matthew Lynch
  • High SchoolMath Education

    High School Algebra Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

    September 10, 2021
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Math Education

    The Quickest Way to Learn Multiplication Facts

    October 16, 2019
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Math Education

    Mathematics Terms That Middle School and High School Students Should Know

    December 13, 2019
    By Matthew Lynch

  • Artificial IntelligenceCodingDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Literacy

    Turn to Coding and Robotics If You Want Your Students to Possess a Growth Mindset

  • Artificial IntelligenceTeachers

    Is Artificial Intelligence the Best Sidekick for Educators?

  • Artificial Intelligence

    Exploration Into the Roots of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Search

Registration and Login

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in P-20 education news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Subscribe to The Edvocate Podcast

Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsAndroidby EmailRSS
  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • 7 Benefits of Continuing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 23, 2022
  • 50 Research Paper Topics: Ideas to Inspire You

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 23, 2022
  • College Essay Topics and Prompts

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 23, 2022
  • pass or fail

    Double Major: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 23, 2022
  • What is the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)?

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 23, 2022
  • 18 Reasons the U.S. Education System is Failing

    By Matthew Lynch
    April 3, 2017
  • The Top 5 Unexpected Benefits of Early Childhood Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 29, 2016
  • 7 Benefits of STEM Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 12, 2019
  • What is Culturally Responsive Pedagogy?

    By Matthew Lynch
    April 21, 2016
  • pass or fail

    Black Boys in Crisis: Why Aren’t They Reading?

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 16, 2017
  • OTR Links 05/23/2022 | doug — off the record
    on
    May 23, 2022

    The Future of Teacher Professional Development

    […] The Future of ...
  • Quality, Affordable Master's In Education Degrees Online - Barry
    on
    May 20, 2022

    The top 7 reasons to pursue a Master’s degree, besides the paycheck

    […] a master’s degree ...
  • The 12 Distance Learning Rules for Students and Teachers
    on
    May 20, 2022

    How Can You Take the Distance Out of Distance Learning?

    […] you can’t stand ...
  • Benefits of Debating: Everything You Need to Know - Entelechy
    on
    May 18, 2022

    120 Debate Topics for High and Middle School Students

    […] Here are some ...
  • Is My Student's High School Rigorous Enough? - Helping Your College Student Succeed
    on
    May 18, 2022

    Academic rigor: you’re doing it wrong and here’s why

    […] are or the ...

Ask an Expert

  • Ask An Expert

    How Dumbed Down Education Is Creating a National Security Crisis

    Spread the loveFor the past few decades, our country’s educational system has seen both struggle and tremendous change. With the various ailments plaguing our educational system, education reforms have attempted ...
  • Ask An Expert

    21 Inspirational Quotes That Nelson Mandela Made About Education

    Spread the loveWe all have our heroes. Those human beings that seem larger than life and almost achieve Godlike status. One of my heroes is the late-great Nelson Mandela, who ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssistive TechnologyCareer ReadinessChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital LeadershipDisabilitiesDiversityEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFirst Year TeachersFreshHigh SchoolK-12Middle SchoolModern ParentingParent & Family TechParental InvolvementParentingPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformPreK-12Special EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachers

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 7: How Digital Age Teachers Can Win Over Parents

    Spread the loveEducation is a collaborative process, as it takes many stakeholders working in unison to help students succeed academically. One of the most integral parts of this collaborative team ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital LeadershipDisabilitiesEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationK-12Online Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTesting

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 6: 8 Ways That Digital Age Teachers Avoid Burning Out

    Spread the loveBeing a teacher is a tough job. So much so, many new teachers end up leaving the field within their first three years. To ensure that the next ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentChild Development TechClassroom ManagementCurrent Ed NewsDigital LeadershipEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEdTech Startups & BusinessesEducation LeadershipEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Matthew LynchModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTestingYear-Round Schooling

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 5: The Archetype of a Great Teacher

    Spread the loveOne of the questions that I am frequently asked is, what does a good teacher look like? I respond by mentioning my 10th-grade Biology teacher, Mrs. Minor, and ...

International Education

  • International Education

    How International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs Work

    Spread the loveThe International Baccalaureate Program is a very intensive pre-college program in which when students get involved, they get college credit. Unlike most other learning initiatives, this program deeply ...
  • International Education

    Globalization: Everything You Need to Know

    Spread the loveGlobalization is the growing interconnectedness of countries around the world. It involves increasing communication and various forms of interaction between people of different nations, ethnicities and cultures. There ...
  • AssessmentEducation LeadershipHigher EducationInternational EducationProfessional DevelopmentTeachers

    So You Want to Attend Graduate School: The 411 on Grad School Admissions Tests

    Spread the loveApplying for admission to professional and graduate schools is no less competitive than college/undergraduate admissions. If you’re planning to pursue a degree in business, law, medicine, or graduate ...
  • Higher EducationInternational Education

    What Extracurricular Activities Impress Colleges the Most?

    Spread the loveWhen you apply to schools that offer holistic admissions or apply to a college using the Common Application, you will have to describe your participation in extracurricular activities. ...
  • Higher EducationInternational Education

    Tips for Working on a College Group Project

    Spread the loveIt can be a great experience to work together and do a group project in college. But it can also be a nightmare if there is no cooperation ...

Early Childhood Education

  • Early ChildhoodLanguage Education

    Long Vowels: Everything You Need to Know

    Spread the loveLong vowels are special vowel types that sound exactly like the letters which comprise them. Long vowels are typically taught after short vowels because while it seems less ...
  • Early Childhood

    What is a Digraph (vowel)?

    Spread the loveA vowel digraph refers to the distinctive perception of one sound when two vowels are placed together in one word. e.g., ow, oa, ie, ea. For learners, vowel ...
  • Early Childhood

    What is a Digraph (consonant)?

    Spread the loveA consonant digraph refers to the distinctive perception of one sound when two consonant letters are placed together in one word, e.g., ch, ng, sh, ph. It’s important ...
  • Early Childhood

    Modifications: Everything You Need to Know

    Spread the loveThis term refers to the adjustments made to what a child is required to learn in school. Some common examples of modifications include reworded questions in easier language, ...
  • Early Childhood

    Wraparound Services/Programs: Everything You Need to Know

    Spread the loveThese are programs that have social measures available for children who are at risk.  Hypothetically, these services are engineered toward developing a strong sense of self and the ...

Gifted and Talented Education

  • Gifted and Talented Education

    Twice-Exceptional: What Does it Mean?

    Spread the loveTo be twice-exceptional is to be exceptionally gifted in some academic aspects while being below average compared to peers in other aspects. As a matter of fact, such ...
  • Gifted and Talented Education

    A Guide to Talent Search Programs

    Spread the loveThe Talent Search Initiative has as its aim; the identification of high-performing students by organizing specific tests. Different avenues are then provided for these students to channel their ...
  • Gifted and Talented EducationK-12

    Homogeneous Grouping: What You Need to Know

    Spread the loveThis term refers to the grouping of students by mental capability, aptitude, or hobbies. For instance, gifted students are placed in one group, and students with special needs ...
  • Gifted and Talented Education

    Cluster Grouping: What You Need to Know

    Spread the loveThis term describes a manner of classifying gifted students to place them in properly segmented classrooms. For example, about five to seven extremely bright pupils with comparable skill ...
  • Gifted and Talented EducationHigher Education

    Merit Scholarships: Everything Your Need to Know

    Spread the loveThese are monetary gifts awarded by institutions to superbly gifted students, who have set themselves apart by their exceptional performance in schoolwork, regardless of whether they require the ...

Black Boys in Crisis Series

  • Black Boys in Crisis

    The Importance of Mentoring Young African-American Males

    Spread the loveTeachers need to realize that at home, in their neighborhoods, and in school, many students face difficulties that can interfere with learning. Compared to their middle-class counterparts, it ...
  • Black Boys in CrisisDiversityEquity

    7 Ways That Black Students are Discriminated Against in U.S K-12 Schools

    Spread the loveAfrican Africans have a long history of being mistreated in the United States, starting with slavery. It should come as no surprise that their children face the same ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital LeadershipDisabilitiesEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationK-12Online Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTesting

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 6: 8 Ways That Digital Age Teachers Avoid Burning Out

    Spread the loveBeing a teacher is a tough job. So much so, many new teachers end up leaving the field within their first three years. To ensure that the next ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentChild Development TechClassroom ManagementCurrent Ed NewsDigital LeadershipEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEdTech Startups & BusinessesEducation LeadershipEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Matthew LynchModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTestingYear-Round Schooling

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 5: The Archetype of a Great Teacher

    Spread the loveOne of the questions that I am frequently asked is, what does a good teacher look like? I respond by mentioning my 10th-grade Biology teacher, Mrs. Minor, and ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDisabilitiesDiversityEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGifted and Talented EducationHigh SchoolHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Middle SchoolModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningParent & Family TechParentingPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformSecondary EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTesting

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 4: How to Create a Culturally Responsive Classroom

    Spread the loveBuilding a culturally responsive classroom is hard. To help you along your journey, here is your guide to exploring and respecting the cultural backgrounds of your students while ...

RSS Matthew on Education Week

  • Au Revoir from Education Futures November 20, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • 6 Steps to Data-Driven Literacy Instruction October 17, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • Four Keys to a Modern IT Approach in K-12 Schools October 2, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • What's the Difference Between Burnout and Demoralization, and What Can Teachers Do About It? September 27, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • Revisiting Using Edtech for Bullying and Suicide Prevention September 10, 2018 Matthew Lynch

About Us

The Edvocate was created in 2014 to argue for shifts in education policy and organization in order to enhance the quality of education and the opportunities for learning afforded to P-20 students in America. What we envisage may not be the most straightforward or the most conventional ideas. We call for a relatively radical and certainly quite comprehensive reorganization of America’s P-20 system.

That reorganization, though, and the underlying effort, will have much to do with reviving the American education system, and reviving a national love of learning.  The Edvocate plans to be one of key architects of this revival, as it continues to advocate for education reform, equity, and innovation.

Newsletter

Signup for The Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in P-20 education news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact

The Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright (c) 2022 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.