MetaMath (M²) Prompts: Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice Implementation

The CCSS in Mathematics exemplify the overlap between factual, procedural, and conceptual knowledge domains. The fourth knowledge domain consists of metacognitive knowledge and is often missing from most discussion of mathematics curriculum and instruction. The MetaMath (M²) prompts were created to increase metacognitive thinking and to promote the development of self-regulated, adaptive students. The MetaMath (M²) prompts are aligned with the Standards for Mathematical Practice and serve as the bridge between what is to be taught, as articulated by the Common Core State Standards, and the instructional strategies necessary to activate these curricular standards. Mathematical proficiency is dependent upon the development of all four knowledge domains. The intersection of these domains can be targeted through the use of the MetaMath (M²) prompts in conjunction with the Common Core State Standards. The MetaMath (M²) prompts make students explicitly aware of the standards for mathematical practice targeted in curriculum and instruction. The visual posting of the prompts and the pending discussion of how they are used, make the tacit curriculum explicit. After continual use, students will begin to become aware of the standards for math practices, and will employ these habits of mind in a self-directed manner. This will include the selection of particular MetaMath (M²) prompts based on a given context and the justification for their selection.