Math Beyond Workbooks

Basic Operations with Integers

Teacher-Centered ‚ Typically, the teacher writes out the rules for how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers on the board, generally using a number line to illustrate the addition part of the lesson. Students copy down the rules and examples, then do a couple of worksheets to practice what they've just been taught. (Sound familiar?)

Student-Centered

1. Divide the students into four groups, and assign one of the four basic operations to each group.
2. Provide each group with teacher's guides for math books or access to the internet [link to resource sites].
3. Tell them that their job is to research how to perform their operation with integers. Stress that you're not just looking for the rule, but also for real-life examples when possible, illustrations, activities, etc. Expect them to become masters of their operation.
4. Next, they create a poster with their lesson presented on it in a fun, creative, eye-catching way.
5. Finally, they need to come up with five problems (with some word problems if possible) involving their operation.
6. At the end of class (or during the next class), the groups take turns teaching their operation to the rest of the class. Their posters are hung around the room for reference, and their five problems are given to the rest of the class for practice and discussion.

Again, the concept of groups researching (self-teaching) can be applied to any topic. This is a very valuable skill to learn for future academic or work situations.