This virtual session continues the learning we began in Operation Sense Session 1, continued in Operation Sense Session 2 and built on in Operation Sense Session 3. You are welcome to revisit those sessions at any time.

In session 1 we looked at the difference between Operation Sense and Computations and talked about how Operation Sense develops over time. We then looked specifically at Addition and Subtraction and discovered that helping students recognize "problem structures" has significant impact on improving learning.

In Session 2, we continued talking about problem structures and then turned our focus to computation strategies for addition and subtraction, including how to build basic facts in ways that form a foundation for mental math strategies beyond 20.

In Session 3 we turned our attention towards multiplication and division and in particular the meaning and use of these operations. We explore various multiplication and division situations and structures and applied our learning to the analysis of student work.

In Session 4 we will look at computations with multiplication and division -- what it means to be proficient and the big mathematical ideas that sit beneath both mental computation strategies and the "standard" algorithms.

As before, there are pre-recorded videos and facilitative supports posted to this site so that you can move through the material at your own pace and revisit or share the learning with others at any time. We will also use collaborative work spaces (aka Google docs) where you can share your thinking with others. All 'handouts' are made available at point of use; but to help with advance planning, here is a list of materials you might wish to print in advance.

While it's certainly not a prerequisite for you to participate in a team, it's often more enjoyable when you have someone to share the learning with. So consider who you could invite as there are multiple opportunities for discussion.

We're glad you can join us and we hope you find this approach to professional development helpful.

Moses & Craig

Why change old habits?!? Once again, there may be too much content for the time we have devoted to this session -- especially if you are enjoying great conversations and exploring ideas fully. But that's okay. In fact, it's more than okay. The ideas in this webinar are intended to provoke your thinking and stimulate conversations about this complex process of learning and teaching. So enjoy the journey and let your curiosity and interests be your primary clock monitor. Remember that we want to strengthen learning and not just finish the module.

That being said, we do have a proposed timeline that you can choose to use as a guideline. If you think time could be an issue, choose the areas on which you want to focus most deeply. Either that, or look for a time when you can meet again for more math conversations!

Bottom line, we hope you enjoy the interactions with each other and with the mathematics. Thanks in advance for your participation and good thinking.

Consider what learning you've had the opportunity to apply since our last session.

Maybe you spent time focusing on one of Carpenter's Five Principles and tried something in your classroom to bring this principle to life. If so, share what you did and any impact you thought it had, either on you or you students.

Or maybe you took one of the multiplication and division situations (or wrote one of your own) and used it as a diagnostic task, interview or learning activity with one or more students in your classroom. What did you learn? Did you try any next steps to help close any gaps that you might have uncovered? If so, take some time to talk about this with your colleagues.

Or maybe you focused on strengthening student's basic addition and subtraction facts, or their mental computation strategies and tried some of the tasks outlined in the Guide to Effective Instruction. Regardless of what you tried, take this time to reflect back your learning thus far.

Discuss and Share:

- What did you try?

- What did your learn?

- What are you still wondering about?

Record key points from your discussion in a digital handout. You can access this handout by clicking here.