Empowering Students Through Problem-Solving

CGI Math is a research-based approach to teaching mathematics that centers on understanding how children naturally think and reason about math. Instead of relying solely on procedural methods, CGI empowers students to use their own strategies to solve problems, deepening their conceptual understanding and building confidence in their mathematical abilities.

What Is CGI Math?

CGI Math focuses on the belief that every child brings valuable mathematical ideas and reasoning to the classroom. By starting with students' own thinking, teachers build on their intuitive understanding of numbers, operations, and problem-solving processes.

Key principles of CGI Math include:

1. Student-Centered Learning: Students solve problems in ways that make sense to them, using their unique strategies and prior knowledge.

2. Teacher as Facilitator: Teachers guide discussions and provide support by asking questions that encourage deeper thinking rather than offering immediate answers.

3. Conceptual Understanding: Emphasis is placed on understanding the “why” behind mathematical concepts, not just the “how.”

4. Flexible Problem-Solving: Students learn multiple strategies and approaches to solve problems, fostering adaptability and creativity in their thinking.
   
   

How CGI Math Works in the Classroom

1. Pose a Problem: Teachers present a story problem or mathematical scenario that connects to students' real-life experiences.
   Example: “A farmer has 12 apples. They give 5 to a friend. How many apples do they have left?”

2. Encourage Student Strategies: Students independently or collaboratively use their own methods to solve the problem. They might draw pictures, use manipulatives, write equations, or explain their thinking verbally.

3. Facilitate Discussion: Teachers lead a group conversation where students share their strategies, compare methods, and explore the mathematical reasoning behind their solutions.

4. Build Connections: Teachers highlight the connections between different strategies and link student thinking to formal mathematical concepts and vocabulary.

5. Reflect and Extend: Students reflect on their learning and apply their understanding to similar or more complex problems.

Benefits of CGI Math

• Promotes Deep Understanding: By encouraging students to think critically about numbers and operations, CGI builds a strong conceptual foundation.

• Supports Differentiated Learning: Students solve problems at their own level, allowing teachers to meet the diverse needs of their classroom.

• Encourages Mathematical Discourse: Sharing and discussing strategies helps students develop reasoning and communication skills.

• Empowers Students: When students see their thinking validated, they become confident and resilient problem solvers.

• Fosters a Growth Mindset: CGI emphasizes effort and creativity, helping students view challenges as opportunities to learn.

Counting Collections and CGI Math

Counting Collections is often used as a complementary activity in CGI classrooms. This hands-on, exploratory practice aligns with CGI's focus on student-led discovery and allows learners to:

• Practice one-to-one correspondence and cardinality.

• Develop grouping strategies for efficiency.

• Make connections between counting and operations.