Tag: UDL

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Factoring Numbers

factree

Factoring, as used in elementary school,  is the act of changing a number into numbers that multiply to produce the original number. For example, 12 can be factored to 3×4. 3 and 4 are called factors of 12.

In the photo above, a “factor tree” is used to help identify the factors. I have often seen the factor tree used as the initial approach to teaching factors. I’ve also seen it used as the primary means of providing intervention for students struggling with factoring.  Think about that. Students who didn’t understand the initial instruction that likely involved the mathy approach shown above were provided the SAME approach.

Math topics can be presented with a more concrete introduction which can allow for more in-depth understanding. The photo below shows a CRA approach to factoring. This approach can be used as part of UDL or as an instructional strategy for intervention.

 

cra-approach-to-factoring

 

 

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UDL Approach to Presenting Notes

write equation given slope and point

The photo above shows an excerpt from the presentation of notes in an algebra class using an UDL approach. The following strategies are implemented:

  • Graphic organizer
  • Color coding (notice that the slope, which is a rate of change, is green for go – movement and notice the consistent use of the colors for prior and new knowledge)
  • Connections to prior knowledge
  • Chunking (before attempting numbers the presentation focuses on the contrast between new and prior knowledge)

This allows for Multiple Means of Representation as found in the UDL Guidelines.

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Consumer Math

Consumer Math Modules Draft Nov 17 2013

At my school we developed a track for math for students with disability for whom the traditional math courses are inappropriate. Many of the topics and concepts from the traditional courses are addressed but in a practical or applied approach, with the principles of UDL incorporated. This is not a typical dumping ground situation that many of us have encountered. These are courses for students who need support in being independent and who will not benefit from being exposed to simplifying math like (5x + 2y – 3xy) – (7x – 8y + 9xy). Here is a link to some documents, including the units and topics.

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Number Lines to Represent Percents

I am following the blog Adventures at the Pond (author has some great stuff!) and the following photo was posted on this blog. percents on a number line

This is an excellent alternate representation of a concept. I do not know how the author would present this in class but here’s what I would do. I would give the students the number line with the initial information and ask them to estimate the total minutes – no calculation.percents on a number line part 1

I would then explain the factor in the percent part (multiply by 5 to get to 100%) and lead the students to carry this factor over into the minutes:percents on a number line part 2This would lead into proportions nicely. I would present the number lines and have the students work out problems using this approach first (Universal Design for Learning) then redo the problems using proportions.

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