Learner-Centered Math Instruction Using Manipulatives

(Grades 3-6) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 60T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC41616

Course Description

Do your students seem to flounder in math because they just can’t “see it” in their heads? In mathematics, manipulatives provide the perfect segue from the unfamiliar to the familiar. They help students transform their mathematical reasoning so that problems become less confusing and much more clear. This online course is designed for teachers in grades 3-6 who want to learn how to incorporate manipulatives such as linking cubes, color tiles and counters, number lines, Cuisenaire rods, base ten blocks, place value chips, fraction strips, algebra tiles, Algeblocks, pattern blocks, pentominoes, attribute blocks, tangrams, Anglegs, dice, geoboards, and even virtual maniplatives into their everyday teaching in order to guide their students to take ownership of their learning so that they can become critical and logical mathematical thinkers. Information on math standards is shared together with distinct suggestions for how to incorporate specific manipulatives into your math instruction in order to improve the way students approach math problems. By the end of this course, teachers will feel much more confident, and have the tools they need, to use manipulatives to strengthen their students’ math skills. This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on university credit, click here.

"As an elementary teacher, I felt this course covered a topic that is essential in the math classroom - manipulatives, both tactile and virtual. I developed ideas that I am ready to implement." - Kristine Jordan