Unlocking Math Engagement: Notice and Wonder Routine
by Maria Kathleen Villanueva
Effective instructional routines play a crucial role in fostering high-quality mathematics education and enhancing skills retention. Within each classroom, students bring a diverse set of skills, experiences, and talents, presenting educators with the challenge of selecting the most appropriate routine.
Finding the right instructional approach is vital to creating an inclusive learning environment that caters to the unique needs of every student.
In this Ask Emily episode, we introduced Notice and Wonder, a teaching model that nurtures a learning space where students’ contributions are equally valued, no matter what level they are in the classroom. This moves away from the traditional model of mathematics teaching which is grounded in formula and procedure retention without room for self-exploration in problem solving.
Promoting active engagement through Notice and Wonder
The Notice and Wonder model fosters student engagement, since there are no right or wrong answers. By approaching the discussion with open-ended questions, this model facilitates conversations between teachers and students along with their peers. Active engagement can prosper as questions tend to stimulate curiosity and critical thinking during their learning journey.
To apply Notice and Wonder model in your classroom, keep in mind these three simple steps:
Prompt
Show a mathematical representation or anything that creates grounds for open discussion. Ask students what they notice and wonder about the shared materials.
Think Time
Provide ample time for students to process their thoughts by themselves and brainstorm what they notice and wonder with their peers.
Discussion
Open the space to share their thoughts, observe patterns, and record their answers in a visual medium. Moving forward, teachers can make meaningful connections on these insights to their mathematical lesson for the day.
Remember that the Notice and Wonder model works best if there is a shared understanding that the classroom is a safe space to share ideas and encourage healthy conversation.
By allowing students to explain these mathematical ideas in their own terms, you can support their learning through pairing their thoughts with accurate mathematical language.
Explore additional strategies for optimal learning outcomes by accessing our free Notice and Wonder resource today.
Maria Kathleen Villanueva (she/her/siya) is a first-generation Filipina immigrant who is passionate about promoting educational equity and amplifying Asian-American voices in socio-political spaces.
As a Digital Marketing intern at Teaching Lab, she develops and executes social media campaigns to optimize content for educators and school leaders. She is pursuing Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia and serving as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion secretary of the 2024 Trustees.
