CBI Math at ABA

~ Ms Molly Phair

(Elementary School Mathematics Parent Workshop Summary)

What is ABA’s philosophy of mathematics teaching and learning?

  • Learners see themselves as confident mathematicians who expect math to make sense and puzzle over what they don’t understand
  • Learners develop a growth mindset in an environment where mistakes are expected, respected and inspected, enabling confidence to grow
  • Learners approach mathematics in a playful way and connect it to the world around them
  • Learners can select and use appropriate strategies to solve practical, hands-on problem-solving activities and realistic situations
  • Learners construct ideas about mathematical concepts before they transfer their understanding into symbols
  • Conceptual understanding is developed when students are actively engaged in modeling, discussing, representing and applying mathematical ideas
  • Fluency is developed through meaningful number activities that help students to commit math facts to heart at the same time as understanding number relationships

What is the Concept-Based Inquiry Math (CBIM) Project?

CBIM uses intentional learning engagements that ensure children build on prior knowledge in order to construct meaning about mathematics. It is a “three-dimensional curriculum” that fosters student agency, and builds conceptual understanding allowing children to transfer what they’ve learned to new situations.

The facts and skills are developed under the “third dimension” of concepts, and are an essential component to ensuring a strong foundation of understanding is built and transferred.

This approach empowers students to make sense of mathematics and develop confidence in their mathematical reasoning and problem-solving, giving them the foundation they need to succeed.

To learn more, read this article “Why Moving to a Concept-Based Inquiry Approach Just Makes Sense,” by Rachel French, the Co-Founder of Professional Learning International and the Concept-Based Inquiry Math Project.

CBI is Internationally Informed and Aligned

The Scope and Sequence of learning outcomes in CBI is both informed and aligned with international and national curricula including:

  • English National Curriculum
  • US Common Core
  • Australian Curriculum
  • New Zealand National Curriculum
  • Ontario Curriculum
  • IB PYP Scope and Sequence

You can be assured that students are being prepared no matter where they came from or are going next in the world!

CBI is made up of 7 Strands of Learning

Grade Level strands lend to integrated, transdisciplinary learning for transfer of knowledge, skills, and understandings:

  • Measurement
  • Pattern & Function
  • Statistics & Probability
  • Shape & Space

Phase-base strands provide students opportunities to build on prior knowledge in order to build a strong foundation of number knowledge:

  • Number and Number Sense
  • Number Operations
  • Partitioning

How are students in Elementary engaging with mathematical concepts?

 

How can I support this thinking at home?

Play games, puzzle, notice and wonder with maths at home with your child! Focus on their thinking and their logic instead of their mistakes and answers. Here are a few great websites where you can find ideas to “mathematize” with your child at home: