Ep 146: (Mis)Understanding the Area Model

The area model is a great tool to help students develop multiplicative and spatial reasoning, but let's get clear on some things. In this episode Pam and Kim discuss some of the common misconceptions about the area model and show how it can be used help students make connections between area and multiplication. Talking points:What is an area model?Common misunderstanding around an area modelPlace Value Partial Products vs Smart Partial ProductsRote memorizing perspective vs Math-is-figureoutable perespectiveClosed/Discrete versus Open arraysArea models build spatial reasoning and connections of products to area and factors to dimensionsRatio Tables are better models for cranky computation problemsSee Episodes 129-133 for more about Ratio Tables and 147 and 148 for more about the Area Model.Check out the new t-shirt at https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/merchandise Check out our social mediaTwitter: @PWHarrisInstagram: Pam Harris_mathFacebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education