The geometric formula for the area of a rectangle is formally introduced subsequently to the learners' developing it through discovery.
These resources are part of KET's Math Instructional Strategies: Geometry collection.
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Teacher Interview: Description of Lesson (Video)
Teacher Interview: Time Needed for Inquiry-Based Lessons (Video)
Introducing the formulas for geometric problem-solving before learners have a good understanding of just what is entailed can be risky. Formulas are more abstract than some learners are ready for. When possible, methods that allow learners to discover the formula are less foreign and allow more time for learners to work with the problems. More time working with an intuited formula not only helps learners understand how the formula is derived, but under pressure, when the learner may forget the official formula, they may also be able to recreate it based on the foundational knowledge gained through discovery.
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