Think Through Math (TTM) is an online tool that uses adaptive instruction to teach Common Core State Standards-aligned lessons to math students in grades 3 through 8, Algebra I, and geometry. Teachers use TTM benchmarking to create differentiated learning paths for each student. Students work through adaptive lessons and have access to live teacher help online. Schools can request a quote for a Think Through Math license through the company’s website.
APPROACH
Think Through Math is an online learning tool with the goal of helping students achieve Common Core State Standards through a combination of benchmarking, adaptive instruction, and motivational strategies.
Think Through Math for Teachers
Think Through Math allows teachers to differentiate instruction and target specific learning needs through benchmark testing and progress-monitoring. Teachers pretest students using the Think Through Math diagnostic testing at the beginning of the school year to establish areas where students need the most support. Students are tested a second time midyear and again at the end of the year. Lessons follow a specific sequence built around Core standards. Students cannot progress to the next lesson until they have completely mastered a skill or concept.
Think Through Math uses ongoing assessments embedded in each lesson that inform teachers of student progress towards mastery. Using Integrated Progress Monitoring and theQuantile Framework from MetaMetrics, teachers can monitor student achievement. TTM provides teachers with three types of data:
Administrators can also access Think Through Math data reporting to see usage and progress across classrooms and grade levels.
Teachers have access to a number ofonline resources that support effective use of Think Through Math. TTM users typically go through a 3-hour onsite training to learn about the company’s product, the learning management system, and proper program implementation. Think Through Math provides teachers with a schedule of live trainings and online trainings and webinars. Users can also view Common Core State Standards resources, including content maps and learning pathways for each grade level. offers ongoing trainings and webinars. Professional Development
Think Through Math for Students
Students access Think Through Math through a personal learning page. Students can see their assignments and work on the lessons at their own pace. Think Through Math employs a number of strategies to keep students motivated and engaged during the learning process. The company uses productive game theory; students begin each lesson with a “warm-up game” that’s intended to activate prior knowledge.
Lessons include a variety of activities and question types, including tech-enhanced questions and games. Students are also encouraged to master standards through an online point system. Students can earn points that can be used to customize their personal dashboard of avatar. Think Through Math allows students to convert a certain number of the points they’ve earned into real dollars which are then given to a charity of the student’s choice.
Think Through Math adapts to student responses; students who struggle to master a concept are given additional supports, hints, and explanations to help them progress through the lesson successfully. Students also have the option to receive help from a live TTM teacher. While working in the Guided Learning or Problem Solving parts of a lesson, students can click on the ‘Math Help’ button. Each lesson is programmed to give verbal instruction that elaborates on a key skill or concept, or teaches the skill or concept in an alternative way. If a student continues to struggle, they can click on Math Help a second time. Students are prompted to complete the problem on their own first before being connected to a live state-certified teacher for support. Students can communicate with the TTM teacher via audio or chat. Access to live teacher support is available before and after school, on the weekends, and many holidays.
Think Through Math includes access to a Parent Portal. Parents and guardians are able to view student goals, their learning achievements, and any Think Through Math competitions going on at school. TTM content is accessible at any time on most devices.
PRICE
Think Through Math requires schools and districts to purchase a license to access their content. Quotes can be obtained through the company’s website.
RESEARCH
The Think Through Math site features a number ofcase studies that show a positive correlation between the company’s product and improved math scores and student motivation. Of note, theTexas SUCCESS Comprehensive Evaluation Report for the Texas Education Agency (February 2015) showed that students who attempted twenty or more TTM lessons scored significantly higher on the STAAR Mathematics exam than students who did not.
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