Introduction

Small changes in how classrooms are organized and how materials are presented tostudents will result in a better learning environment for the diverse group of learnersin every classroom.For more information on respecting each student’s approach to learning, see Chapter 7:Classroom Resources and Management, in Volume Three.Provide a Culture and Climate for LearningThe culture and climate in the classroom have a profound effect on the learning thattakes place. Students need to feel valued and respected. They need to know that theyare members of a community that appreciates the mathematical contributions of eachof its members. In an effective mathematical community:• problem solving, reasoning, and communication are highly valued;• interest in mathematical ideas, even when they are not related to the curriculum,is encouraged and promoted;• different methods of solving problems arewelcomed and shared;• mistakes are looked upon as opportunitiesfor learning;• the acquisition of mathematical knowledgeby all students is viewed as a top priority;• teachers are flexible in their understanding ofhow students develop their own strategiesfor solving problems;• different ways of thinking and reasoning areviewed as valuable insights into students’ minds.See also the section “Developing a Mathematical Community” in Chapter 7: ClassroomResources and Management, in Volume Three, for more information on buildinga community of learners.32 A Guide to Effective Instruction in Mathematics, Kindergarten to Grade 6 – Volume One