Colo. first-graders use blocks, beads to learn math concepts First-grade students at a Colorado elementary school are learning to count by fours, fives and up to 10s by stringing beads together and forming blocks. Teachers recently told the local school board that the hands-on activities are increasing engagement and learning. "Once children learn how to use the materials, the teacher becomes more of an observer and facilitator, rather than the center of the classroom," said math coach Carolyn Striker. Pine River Times (Bayfield, Colo.) (5/15) Study: Active learning is more effective for STEM education A meta-analysis of 250 studies of science, technology, engineering and math education lends strong support to active learning. According to the report -- published this week -- STEM students in purely lecture settings failed at a rate 55% higher than those in active learning that involved discussion, collaboration and other departures from listening and note-taking. CampusTechnology.com (5/14) Other News
 | Educator shares 3 models for turning classrooms into "maker" spaces Schools can integrate "making" into the curricula to help facilitate deeper learning, educator Aaron Vanderwerff writes in this blog post. He writes that his school uses three different models -- open-ended student-driven projects, integration into curriculum and a "making-focused" curriculum. Vanderwerff suggests starting small, considering how "making" could be integrated into existing curricula and to just start "making." EdSurge (5/14) Other News | New science standards mesh with project-based learning The Next Generation Science Standards that will guide the nation's schools are well-suited to project-based learning, education consultant and blogger Andrew Miller writes. He notes that the standards, which some states have adopted early, call for cross-pollination of subject matter, in-depth study and critical thinking, all of which are facets of PBL. Both approaches aim to develop awareness of the real-world effect of scientists' work, he adds. Edutopia.org/Andrew Miller's blog (5/12) | Ind. state education board votes to support alternative path to teaching A "career specialist" teaching permit was given preliminary approval this week by the Indiana State Board of Education. The permit would allow educators with full-time work experience, but no bachelor's degree, to teach in the state's high schools. Under the measure, teachers could instruct in their area of expertise but would be required to complete training in their area within two years to maintain the certification. The policy must be reviewed by the governor and attorney general and given final board approval before it goes into effect. The Times (Munster-Hammond-Merrillville-Valparaiso, Ind.) (5/14) |  | Knowing what must be done does away with fear." -- Rosa Parks, American civil rights activist | | | | Math Education SmartBrief is an aggregation of published news and editorial content from diverse sources. The content of Math Education SmartBrief does not necessarily reflect the position or editorial viewpoint of any particular organization. | Please contact one of our specialists for advertising opportunities, editorial inquiries, job placements, or any other questions.
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