The problem that I would like to address is basic multiplication math facts. I have seen an overwhelming issue with kids learning their basic multiplication facts, each year they seem to be less successful with this task. This also creates another problem; they cannot quickly and precisely complete other math assignments that involve basic fact multiplication. The GLEC's state that students should fluently know their multiplication math facts.
Since I already have a SMART Board I would like to incorporate that as my use of technology. I have already found some interactive games that can be used with addition and subtraction facts practice so I am sure that I can find games that support multiplication fact practice. I would like to incorporate the use of the SMART Board as an everyday tool for the students to use to help them practice their facts, on top of the other games that I have taught. I think that the SMART Board will help to motivate the students to practice more at home and maybe even use some of the technology they are seeing at school, at home as well. In knowing that kids learn in different ways I have used a multitude of different strategies to try and help my students to learn their multiplication facts. I have tried skip counting, chanting, flashcards, memorization through repetition, songs, trick and tips, fact families, arrays and even bribery! Nothings seems to work effectively for the majority of students.
Using the games every day will help the students drill and practice in a more interesting way. My plan is to allow the students to use the SMART Board in the mornings during seatwork time as well as during math time. I would like to use a rotation system to ensure that all of the students get a chance to play the games. I would like the students to be practicing using the SMARTBoard everyday for the first 2 weeks. After that, we will go done to two or three times a week to help reinforce the facts. Since I already track the students on if they know their multiplication math facts or not it will be easy to see if there are improvements that are being made. The kids are assessed weekly by completing a fact sheet that is timed. They are also are given the option to take an oral test. So I already have some data to compare it with. I think that it will be important to keep the kids practicing the facts even when we move on to another math unit.
In searching for research on this topic I wasn’t very successful. There are tons of websites that offer ideas to help the kids learn the facts but nothing seemed research based. They all basically say the same tips and strategies to use (which I have tried). So I took it upon myself to talk with other teachers and see what they thought and what exactly they used to practice the multiplication facts. Unfortunately, we all seem to be in the same boat. The problem is unanimous; no one has a good program that is effective for most kids. Maybe the games, coupled with the other strategies that I use will do the trick!
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