Does a Non-traditional Mathematics Curriculum Result to a Higher Standardized Test Score?
Researchers conducted studies and compared standardized scores of different types of mathematics curricula.
Studies have shown that students in American schools rank significantly lower test scores on standardized testing world wide. As a result, several professors from University of Missouri conducted a longitudinal study and looked at different mathematics curricula across the country. This study lasted 3 years and was funded by the National Science Foundation. The results concluded that integrated math increases standardized test scores. In fact, this increase is significantly higher than traditional mathematics courses. Integrated mathematics involves incorporating all types of mathematical subjects in one curriculum while a traditional approach would be implementing a curriculum of courses and segmenting the subjects as a single topic.
Although many teachers support a traditional teaching approach, non-traditional teaching creates effective learning. With an integrated approach students look at a certain topic involving many different types of mathematical approaches and form different perceptions. This empowers students' abilities and enables them to solve mathematical computations more effectively. Thus, their mathematical foundational skills are strong. As a result, the students who take integrated math classes have a higher educational outcome.
The authors also emphasize how effective integrated mathematics is by comparing the implemented curriculum in America to foreign countries. They strive to point out that these high ranking competitive schools incorporate integrated mathematics in their own curriculum. Consequently, researchers strongly encourage American schools to reevaluate the educational system in order for American schools to maintain a competitive level of high educational performance.
Below are two recommended readings in regards to integrated mathematics classrooms and the researchers data collection.
Researchers conducted studies and compared standardized scores of different types of mathematics curricula.
Studies have shown that students in American schools rank significantly lower test scores on standardized testing world wide. As a result, several professors from University of Missouri conducted a longitudinal study and looked at different mathematics curricula across the country. This study lasted 3 years and was funded by the National Science Foundation. The results concluded that integrated math increases standardized test scores. In fact, this increase is significantly higher than traditional mathematics courses. Integrated mathematics involves incorporating all types of mathematical subjects in one curriculum while a traditional approach would be implementing a curriculum of courses and segmenting the subjects as a single topic.
Although many teachers support a traditional teaching approach, non-traditional teaching creates effective learning. With an integrated approach students look at a certain topic involving many different types of mathematical approaches and form different perceptions. This empowers students' abilities and enables them to solve mathematical computations more effectively. Thus, their mathematical foundational skills are strong. As a result, the students who take integrated math classes have a higher educational outcome.
The authors also emphasize how effective integrated mathematics is by comparing the implemented curriculum in America to foreign countries. They strive to point out that these high ranking competitive schools incorporate integrated mathematics in their own curriculum. Consequently, researchers strongly encourage American schools to reevaluate the educational system in order for American schools to maintain a competitive level of high educational performance.
Below are two recommended readings in regards to integrated mathematics classrooms and the researchers data collection.