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Center for Instructional
Innovation and Assessment

INNOVATIVE TEACHING SHOWCASE

2015-16
Andrew Boudreaux Andrew Boudreaux - Navigation sidebar, expand accordion menu button
Science Education Team Smate - Navigation sidebar, expand accordion menu button
Stephanie Treneer Stephanie Treneer - Navigation sidebar, expand accordion menu button

IDEAS

Innovative Teaching Showcase: 2015 Idea resources Moore Method

Idea 8: The Modified Moore Method

“It is in essence a Socratic method that encourages students to solve problems using their own skills of critical analysis and creativity.”4

Learning Intention

Primarily used in mathematics, the Moore Method is a specific application of inquiry-based learning that helps students understand number theory and the language of proof by participating in “carefully constructed situations” that let them “find [mathematical and scientific] truths for themselves.”1

Overview

Using already-developed materials or ones you design yourself, the Moore Method guides students through a process of exploring number theory and relying on their own ideas to write and present proofs of theorems to classmates.

Instructions

  1. Develop Materials: Either gather already-developed materials, adapt them, or design resources yourself to provide students with just enough, but not too much, information. Materials might include inquiry-based mathematics textbooks, worksheets, and/or videos.3
  2. Engage & Explore: Begin instruction of a new topic with basic definitions and a worksheet or discussion questions that guide students through exploring those definitions through specific examples or problems.5
  3. Explain: Provide students a theorem to prove. Ask them to use only their own ideas to develop a proof of the theorem. Students will get to analyze and think creatively as well as learn the grammatical structure and vocabulary of writing a proof.5
  4. Elaborate: Invite students to present their proofs to the class. Allow classmates to discuss the proof, asking questions, identifying errors, or prompting clarification. The instructor sits with the students and participates as a classmate, only directing the conversation if students get stuck or overlook something that needs to be addressed.5
  5. Evaluate: Grading practices should encourage a research philosophy by emphasizing “learning not earning” and rewarding efforts at producing and defending arguments.3 Equally weight grades on written work, presentation work, and examinations, and consider allowing students to resubmit written work to improve grades.

Considerations

  • Student buy-in is essential.5 Invest time in building a classroom environment that is trusting and supportive so students are motivated to work hard and aren’t afraid of making mistakes.
  • Find the delicate balance between helping students when they are stuck and allowing them to take ownership of their learning by working through their own struggle.5

References

  1. Creativity in Mathematics: Inquiry-based Learning and the Moore Method. (2013).
    Video published by Academy of Inquiry-based Learning. Available online.
  2. Mahavier, W.S. (December 1999). What is the Moore Method? Primus, vol 9
    (pp. 239-254). Available online.
  3. Mahavier, W.T., May, E.L., and Parker, G.E. (7 July 2006). A Quick-Start Guide to the
    Moore Method. Educational Advancement Foundation document. Available online.
  4. Parker, J. (2005). R.L. Moore: Mathematician and Teacher. Washington, D.C.:
    Mathematical Association of America.
  5. Treneer, S. (2016) An Inquiry-Based Introduction to Proof in Number Theory.
    Innovative Teaching Showcase, Center for Instructional Innovation and Assessment, Western Washington University. Available online.