Laura Anderson and Lisa Sanderson

Anderson’s and Sanderson’s innovative teaching idea, “Centering on Problem Solvers,” involves integrating a guided math component with the school district approved textbook program.  Guided math allows a teacher to pull groups of four to five students and provide them with a 15-minute lesson that targets their mathematical needs, whether that is to preview, review or extend a concept.  To run this approach, three to four different math centers will be created that engage students and allow them to practice and broaden their learning.  The design of a classroom math center will include tablets and creation apps to make students' mathematical thinking visible.  In return, the teacher is able to differentiate future instruction, better meeting the needs of all learners to become effective problem solvers.  Ultimately, through implementing this project, students will learn their facts and how to use an algorithm to solve a problem, and also be able to communicate their thinking to others.