Connections in mathematics -- applying mathematical knowledge of one area to support learning in another area -- help students build a robust understanding of mathematics. Connections also make it possible for students to apply their knowledge to academic subjects other than mathematics as well as to real-world situations. Successful problem solving involves seeing connections between a current situation and known strategies and skills from prior problem-solving experiences. Although some students may independently recognize connections, we now know that assistance in identifying and expanding mathematical connections benefits all students -- both those with this predisposition and those without.

This session shows you how to help students do the following:

• Connect their prior learning to new concepts
• Recognize and use connections between similar mathematical situations
• Use connections among the Process Standards and Content Standards when solving problems
• Apply mathematics to problems that arise outside the classroom
• Use representations to connect mathematical ideas

Instructional programs . . . should enable all students to --

• Recognize and use connections among mathematical ideas
• Understand how mathematical ideas interconnect and build on one another to produce a coherent whole

Principles and Standards of School Mathematics (NCTM, 2000). For more information on this Process Standard, see the NCTM Web site

  Observe a math problem