Session 3: Introduction

You might think that teaching math is about primarily about teaching computations — anyone remember timed multiplication problems in third grade? — and wonder how inquiry fits into the mix. While computations are important, they are just one part of math learning.

The mathematicians at NASA who figure out how to get astronauts to and from the space station are doing more than computations. The mathematicians who figure out how to encrypt data sent over the Internet — such as through a mobile banking app — are doing more than computations. They are using the abstract ideas (not just numbers!) of mathematics to create solutions to complex problems in the real world and using a whole lot of inquiry in the process. Inquiry is like push-ups for the math brain — it helps strengthen mathematical thinking.

In this session, you’ll explore why inquiry matters in math teaching and learning.