One of the major goals of the mathematics educators at Oak Hill
is to involve
students in mathematical processing. In pursuit of this goal, the
Oak Hill faculty
utilizes a variety of instructional techniques designed to practice
problem solving and provide opportunities that foster creativity
and critical thinking.
Students work individually and/or in cooperative groups to master
specific mathematical skills and solve problems. In addition to regular
classroom presentations, problem-solving activities, games, and manipulative
materials are used to supplement instruction and to encourage participatory
involvement in mathematical processes. There is a constant emphasis
upon the linking of existing knowledge with new learning. This linkage
helps students make connections within their own experience thereby
making learning more personal.
Teachers are encouraged to develop mathematics centers where children
may go to practice and experiment with numbers. Computers are available
in every classroom, and each child is required to acquire and use
a personal calculator after he/she has demonstrated proficiency of
basic mathematical facts. The classroom experience is reinforced
and enriched in the computer lab where students are challenged to
put their mathematical skills to work.
Each mathematics teacher strives to create a non-threatening learning
environment by encouraging students to raise questions and formulate
ideas while supporting their ideas with mathematical reasoning. Students
are taught that there may be more than one answer to a problem, and
that there are definite connections to previously learned concepts.
Children at all grade levels advance at a guided pace, always building
upon their own prior knowledge base. Groups are flexible, and a child
may move from one to another as his/her proficiency demands. Opportunities
for remediation and enrichment are provided within each grade level.
An accelerated mathematics opportunity is available for qualified
students at the fifth and sixth grade levels. In addition Oak Hill
sponsors a mathematics team for fifth and sixth grade students and
participates in Project MEGSS, a special program for gifted mathematics
students.
