“Solving Math Problems and Making Sense from Concrete to Abstract”

Abstract

Numbers are in our everyday lives. Just about everything we do or see involves numbers. The way of life is with numbers. For example, using an algorithm to solve a problem. There are steps used to follow in working out a problem. In the Native American way of life, our culture involves numbers too. Mind you that while formal mathematics was established from other cultures, it is used across all cultures and time. So learning and knowing numbers is an essential part of everyone’s life. The simple things we do in life are represented by numbers which are quantities of objects or actions. Numbers represent quantities that are visible such as how many people appear or exit out of a room, gathering materials or supplies, exchanging money, shape of objects, and even in our daily population. Students tend to take numbers for granted because they really don’t see or understand the concept of how they get to a certain solution or number of a problem. Most of the calculation is mentally or use of calculator. Math can be challenging for those who struggle with numbers, so mathematics may not be a favorite subject for some. Students come to grade level classrooms at different levels of how they perceive numbers or varies in their level of knowledge of numbers.