Where Are The Words?~ 8 min

ST Math has words but they're not barriers to mathematical understanding. Learn how ST Math uses words effectively.

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Where Are The Words?

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Take a look at any math book and you'll see . . . a lot of words. Requiring students to read and learn a specific vocabulary (e.g., plus, minus, sum, equals, factor, fraction) adds to the complexity of learning math and makes it more challenging to focus on the actual math concept. ST Math turns it around and deals with the math first, then introduces language and symbols to represent the concepts students already understand.

You might have heard that ST Math is a “words-free” or “language-free” program. Actually, language is carefully and strategically incorporated into ST Math’s neuroscience-based design.

How Language is Introduced

ST Math’s patented approach employs a unique learning model that leverages the brain's innate spatial-temporal reasoning ability to solve mathematical problems. ST Math begins by teaching the foundational concepts visually, then connects the ideas to mathematical symbols and language.

You can see for yourself how the progression works by moving the gray dot from completely visual through the connecting stage that combines the visual with the symbolic to the completely abstract/symbolic.

The concept begins as a simple counting problem that is later presented as a multiplication problem (3 ostriches and 2 dogs). In later grades, the idea of having 3 ostriches and 2 dogs is related to the symbols of multiplication -- 3 x 2 + 2 x 4. Notice that there is no need for parentheses or a memorized rhyme. It's obvious you have to figure out the number of ostrich shoes and dog shoes before adding all the shoes together. Finally, the images disappear and the problem is represented entirely in symbols. Those symbols, however, are not just a bunch of squiggles that require memorization. They are meaningful symbols that represent a problem that can be easily solved.

Removing Language as a Barrier

Language is a natural part of learning. But it does not have to be a barrier, prerequisite, or delivery system.

With visual learning, students are better equipped to tackle unfamiliar math problems, recognize patterns, and build conceptual understanding.
When we remove language as a barrier, the problem is accessible to more students, regardless of skill level or language background.

This removal of language as a barrier also allows students to direct all of their cognitive efforts to solving the problem at hand. In the example here, there are no numbers, symbols, or words. No distractions.

In each and every one of the puzzles, the answer a student chooses plays out before their eyes, providing immediate, informative feedback as to why the solution worked or didn’t.

The Intentional Use of Language

Language is a natural part of learning. But it does not have to be a barrier, prerequisite, or delivery system. A student’s journey begins with simple puzzles that present important math concepts visually. Gradually, appropriate use of symbols and language is introduced to support those visual concepts.

This is different from most experiences students have in school. Rather than being told what to do, they have to figure it out for themselves. Some students might have a problem making that switch – but it’s a switch worth helping them make. Research shows that students who use ST Math, especially those who are weaker in math, have higher math self-beliefs. Developing confidence in their ability to figure it out for themselves is one of the great side effects of ST Math and is one that impacts the entire school experience.

In a single grade level of ST Math, students will solve approximately 4,000 puzzles, many of which are classified as L.I. or “Language Integration” with the mathematical symbols or key vocabulary embedded into the games.

In early grades, students are presented with a number of creatures and must choose the number of shoes. The problem is completely visual but only requires 1 to 1 correspondence. Even children who don't know their numerals can be successful.

Play the games in the slideshow for yourself.

Check For Understanding

Think about your answer and then click to reveal our thoughts.

Why does ST Math start out puzzles by removing symbols and words?

By removing language and symbols as a barrier, the problem is accessible to more students, regardless of skill level or language background.
It also removes distractors - all of students’ working memory is focused on solving the puzzle.

True or False: ST Math is ‘language free.’

False - As students progress to higher levels, mathematical symbols and language are gradually integrated into puzzles. For grades 2 and up this integration eventually culminates in quiz questions that resemble those students would see on a summative assessment.

True or false - ST Math can be used to promote mathematical discourse.

True - Discourse is an important part of learning and students are encouraged to explain their thinking and share their problem solving strategies through writing and conversations with peers or the teacher.

What's Next

The Essentials > After Four to Six Weeks > Using Assignments to Differentiate ST Math

The Essentials