Why do students find decimal fractions so difficult?
In classrooms all over Queensland there are students who just don’t “get” decimals, who struggle to complete any question in which there is a decimal point.
Here are 4 simple yet vital steps to reversing this situation, which will work in any classroom:
1. Connect Decimals to Common Fractions.
Don’t start teaching about decimals until students really understand what a fraction is, and can confidently use fraction language and written notation for a variety of fraction sizes (denominators).
2. Use Proportional Models for Decimals to Show How Small They Are.
The best model we have found is the “cut up one block”, based on the 1cm cube. Find a way to show slices, chips and mini-cubes (1 mm), and students will immediately see how small decimals really are.
3. Carefully Sequence Instruction From Tenths to Thousandths.
Start slowly by showing how a one block can be made into 10 pieces, called “tenths”. Gradually build understanding of regrouping, skip counting and the rest, then add hundredths, then thousandths.
4. Rinse and Repeat.
Well, not exactly. But students need to keep moving on to using decimals in measurement, probability, geometry and so on, putting their knowledge of these vital fractions to good use in later maths classes.
At QUEDREX, Classroom Professor is re-releasing the award-winning program Hi-Flyer Decimals, revised and extended for use with an interactive whiteboard.
Visit our stand at the Queensland Education Resources Expo on the 8th and 9th of September for 25% off normal online prices.
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It's a change of pace, and you may gain more ideas for your own lessons in the classroom.
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