Reston, VA - September 6, 2016 -The Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences (CBMS) recently released a statement expressing the strong support of a diverse group of education groups for active learning in the classroom. The term active learning refers to classroom practices that engage students in activities-such as reading, writing, discussion, or problem solving-that promote higher-order thinking.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics President Matt Larson said, “We applaud the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences for bringing attention to the value of active learning and support the call for institutions of higher education, mathematics departments and the mathematics faculty, public policymakers, and funding agencies to invest the time and resources to ensure that effective active learning is incorporated into post-secondary mathematics classrooms.”
Recent studies provide clear evidence that active learning results in better student performance and retention than more traditional, passive forms of instruction alone. The teaching technique in which students are provided opportunities to engage in mathematical investigation, communication, and group problem-solving, while also receiving feedback on their work from both experts and peers, has been seen to have a positive effect on student learning.
CBMS Chairperson William (Brit) Kirwan said, “The evidence is clear. Active learning improves students' performance and enhances their capacity to use mathematics in their academic and career pursuits. We are extremely pleased that President Larson and NCTM have joined in supporting CBMS's efforts to promote active learning in the mathematical sciences. NCTM's support is critically important to this effort because it means that students will come to college having the benefit of active learning in their high school curriculum.”
To view the full statement visit http://www.cbmsweb.org/Statements/Active_Learning_Statement.pdf.
The Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences (CBMS) is an umbrella organization consisting of seventeen professional societies all of which have as one of their primary objectives the increase or diffusion of knowledge in one or more of the mathematical sciences. Its purpose is to promote understanding and cooperation among these national organizations so that they work together and support each other in their efforts to promote research, improve education, and expand the uses of mathematics.