Improving Math Skills
How can Math centers help 2nd grade learners develop their math skills?
General topic of interest
Our first MAP test results showed that our learners were underperforming in math. Educators and coordination got together to think about strategies that would improve their math learning. We decided to schedule a period for learners in both groups (2A and 2B) to be separated in centers to focus on the different math areas, according to their need for improvement.
Participants
All Grade 2 learners at Escola Concept Salvador participated in providing data for this action research. Regina Moura (English language reference educator) and Gilvânia Jucá (Portuguese language reference educator) collaborated in this research. We also counted on the support of Thiago Vaz, the Fab Lab assistant who has a degree in Mathematics. He has been working with Maths support in Lower School and led one of the centers with Grade 2 learners.
Data collecting approach
We have collected the data on their first MAP test result. After a month of intervention with diverse content Math centers, learners will take another MAP test. We will compare the two results to verify if the differentiated instruction was effective.
Data collection tools/resources
Our team will use Math Map test results to compare learners learning growth.
Emerging results
Our data showed us that all except one learner improved their performance in the second Math MAP testing. As a whole, the math centers strategy was considered an effective tool to support learners in their MAP testing performance.
Reflections
We concluded that targeting specific skills in smaller groups can support learners to improve their test results. We should repeat this strategy next year.
