Mathnasium centers are math-specialized learning centers that any child can attend year-round to boost math skills and knowledge. Marsha Rimokh is the managing director of the Boca Raton, Florida, branch of Mathnasium. Below, Rimokh explains Mathnasium’s approach to providing each child with the “Number Sense” they need to achieve in Math.
What is “Number Sense”? It’s the way a student thinks about numbers and understand math problems. At Mathanasium, we first try to analyze a student’s initial Number Sense, and then we work with that to create a stronger math foundation in order to allow for future great math success. The Mathnasium Method uses a unique combination of mental, verbal, visual, tactile, and written techniques to help children learn math.
Mental
Students are taught when to put down the pen and paper and use some mental math techniques. Some students have become too dependent on writing everything down and this can make problems seem more complicated than they are. At Mathnasium, students learn when and how to apply mental math techniques- techniques like taking a problem that seems big, and breaking it down into smaller parts in order to make it more easily understood and doable.
For example, 49 + 49 + 49
Instead of seeing this as a vertical problem or even 49 x 3, students are taught to mentally make it as easy as possible…50 + 50 + 50 – 3 = 147
Verbal
An important part of the Mathnasium method. Students are taught to truly understand the meaning of mathematic terms, as well as to explain their math reasoning and math thought process. This helps Mathnasium teachers help them and also helps them understand their own approach to math.
Visual
Fundamental math concepts and ideas are explained to students using compelling pictures, charts, and graphs. The Mathnasium workbooks contain many picture-based math problems. Visual aids can often provide learning breakthroughs to students who are struggling to understand a concept, transcending written word or a verbal explanation.
Tactile
Tactile or tangible aids can be effective in helping students understand a concept, and they can be very fun as well. Often using a tactile object that the student is familiar with can be especially helpful.
For example, using an incomplete pizza pie to explain fractions, or a pair of dice to explain probability.
Written
Students enrolled in the Mathnasium program get ample practice in written practice through computation (also called a “drill”), which will prove useful throughout their math education. Our workbooks help each student develop orderly mathematics thought and written skill.
For example, our printed workbooks provide comprehensive training in problem solving.
Attitude and Self-Esteem
Mathnasium teachers help to eliminate the “I Hate Math” mentality and restore each student’s confidence and love of learning. The only way to overcome frustration and feelings of low self-esteem is through success. We build each child’s confidence and self–esteem through successful encounters and interactions with carefully selected math materials. By the end of the program, each child is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and attitude necessary for success.
