Never Say Anything a Kid Can Say!

Reinhart (2000), a teacher of upper-grade mathematics, was utilizing traditional teaching methods to the best of his ability, and yet his students were struggling. He discovered that the problem-solving avenues of his students’ minds blossomed when he began talking less and instead focused on using questions, hands-on learning, and, most importantly, class discussions. Reinhart’s new approach can be generally labeled as active education. More specifically, the advice that Reinhart shared for effective classroom discussion, questioning, and teaching as it applies to mathematics can be summed up as follows: “Ask the best possible questions” and “apply strategies that require all students to participate”.

Seattle students discuss what they enjoy most about their classes and things that they think will help improve their learning.