Scribd
Upload
9 views

Using Math Errors To Learn

Uploaded by

Unam Makhdoom
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
9 views

Using Math Errors To Learn

Uploaded by

Unam Makhdoom
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Using Math Errors to Learn

By
Deb Russell
Updated on March 06, 2017

"The most powerful learning experiences often result from making


mistakes".

I usually address my students with the above phrase after handing out
marked papers, tests and exams. I then provide time for my students to
carefully analyze their errors. I also ask them to keep a running
record/journal of the patterns of their errors. Understanding how and
where you go wrong will lead to enhanced learning and improved grades
—a habit often developed by strong math students. It's not unlike me to
develop my next test based on a variety of student errors!

How often have you looked over your marked paper and analyzed your
errors? When doing so, how many times have you almost immediately
realized exactly where you went wrong and wished that if only you had
caught that error prior to submitting your paper to your instructor? Or, if
not, how often have you looked closely to see where you went wrong
and worked on the problem for the correct solution only to have one of
those 'A Ha' moments? 'A Ha' moments or the sudden enlightening
moment resulting from the newly discovered understanding of the
misconceived error usually means a breakthrough in learning, which
often means that you'll rarely repeat that error again.

Instructors of mathematics often look for those moments when they are
teaching new concepts in mathematics; those moments result in success.
Success from previous errors isn't usually due to the memorization of a
rule or pattern or formula, rather, it stems from a deeper understanding
of 'why' instead of 'how' the problem was resolved. When we understand
the 'whys' behind a mathematical concept rather than the 'hows', we
often have a better and deeper understanding of the specific concept.
Here are the three common errors and a few remedies to address them.
Symptoms and Underlying Causes of Errors

When reviewing the errors on your papers, it's crucial that you
understand the nature of the errors and why you made it (them). I've
listed a few things to look for:

 Mechanical errors (transposed number, sloppy mental math,


hurried approach, forgotten step, lack of review)
 Application errors (misunderstanding of one or more of the
required step(s)
 Knowledge based errors (lack of knowledge of the concept,
unfamiliar with terminology)
 Order of Operations (often stems from rote learning as opposed to
having a true understanding)
 Incomplete (practice, practice and practice, this leads to having the
knowledge more readily available)

Success Is Failure Inside Out!

Think like a mathematician and learn from your previous mistakes. In


order to do so, I would suggest that you keep a record or journal of the
patterns of errors. Mathematics requires a lot of practice, review the
concepts that caused you grief from previous tests. Keep all of your
marked test papers, this will assist you to prepare for ongoing
summative tests. Diagnose problems immediately! When you are
struggling with a specific concept, don't wait to get assistance (that's like
going to the doctor three days after breaking your arm) get immediate
help when you need it, if your tutor or instructor isn't available - take the
initiative and go online, post to forums or look for interactive tutorials to
guide you through.

Remember, problems can be your friends!

You might also like