Empowering Mathematical Minds: ‘Which One Doesn’t Belong?’ Routine
by Maria Kathleen Villanueva
Teaching mathematics often involves complex mathematical processes and solutions. Research shows that introducing complex problem-solving tasks is significant to stimulate student’s reasoning and logic.
As an educator, you might be thinking about how to ensure mathematical rigor while making the subject matter interactive for your students.
In this Ask Emily video, we introduce “Which One Doesn’t Belong?” routine: a compare-and-contrast strategy to get your students to discuss their observations and operations in the classroom.
This technique centers on the power of using a precise language by walking students through the word problem and acknowledging their critical thinking skills.
How to Apply ‘Which One Doesn’t Belong?’ Routine In the Classroom?
As shown in the video, educators can explore mathematical concepts such as relationships between equations and graphs through the following steps:
Prompt
Present students with four figures, representations, graphs, or equations and ask them to observe under the premise of “Which One Doesn’t Belong?”
Think Time
Students are encouraged to share their findings individually and with their peers.
Discussion
Teachers will lead the conversation and ask students to discuss their mathematical processes and reasoning with the class. As students’ responses vary, asking probing questions is necessary to solidify a specific mathematical language in relation to the concept exploration.
Note: To make this routine productive, invite students to express their agreements and disagreements during the discussion. This space is important to hold in order for teachers to clarify and bridge potential confusion in translating math concepts to a precise terminology.
Learn more about the best practices for keeping this mathematical routine in your classroom with our free resources below:
Maria Kathleen Villanueva (she/her/siya) is a first-generation Filipina immigrant who is passionate about promoting educational equity and amplifying Asian-American voices in socio-political spaces.
As a Digital Marketing intern at Teaching Lab, she develops and executes social media campaigns to optimize content for educators and school leaders. She is pursuing Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia and serving as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion secretary of the 2024 Trustees.