Problem-Based Learning with Imagine Learning Illustrative Mathematics
The instructional design of Imagine Learning Illustrative Mathematics supports K–12 learners through dynamic, engaging instructional experiences. Students develop deep conceptual understanding through a coherent progression of the mathematics based on standards and research-based learning trajectories.
"Imagine Learning offers a digital experience that makes teachers’ lives easier and supports student engagement with enhancement features like Student Spotlight videos and digital centers."
—Dr. Bill McCallum, co-founder and CEO of Illustrative Mathematics
Focus, Rigor, and Coherence Across Units, Lessons, and Activities
Instructional Design
A problem-based instructional framework supports teachers in structuring lessons, so students are the ones doing the problem solving to learn the mathematics. The activities and routines give teachers opportunities to see what students know and what they can notice before having concepts and procedures explained to them.
Overall DNA of the instructional design
Each unit starts with an invitation to the mathematics. The first few lessons provide an accessible entry point for all students and offer teachers the opportunity to observe students’ prior understandings.
Each lesson starts with a learning goal and a warm-up, followed by problem-based instructional activities facilitated by the teacher (including individual and small-group worktime), and concludes with a synthesis and cool-down to solidify and apply student learning.
Imagine Learning Illustrative Mathematics continues to develop tools in response to teacher feedback that really put students first, right at the center of the curriculum. Examples include Digital Centers, which allow students to play math-based games, and Task Statements, launched in 2021, which let students input their responses for class activities and give teachers valuable insights not just into what students are thinking but how they are thinking.
A change we’ve seen in recent years is that parents and families are more engaged than ever in trying to support their learners, so we’re developing resources to help them do just that, including family support videos, which give families the opportunity to see what's going on inside the math classroom—such as vocabulary and concepts—and take part in activities with their students to reinforce learning.
Students are really engaged by the new Inspire Math videos that Imagine Learning has created this past year. These videos expand on unit content and bring it to life for students, showcasing the math in a real-world, engaging context.
Assessment
Imagine Learning Illustrative Mathematics offers both formative and summative assessments that empower teachers to measure student understanding and progress of learning goals within the instructional design. The program includes a number of features to make this process easier:
- Teachers can provide timely feedback through assignable items and better inform instruction.
- Students have tools that promote ownership and accountability for learning.
- Assessments are available in print and digital formats for equity and access in all instructional models.
Embedded options for assessment are provided throughout each unit, section, and lesson.
"I'm excited about the tools that we're developing that really put students at the center of the curriculum—tools that help them not only collaborate with their peers and with their teachers but really express their thinking."
—Mike Blasberg, Product Management Director,
Imagine Learning Illustrative Mathematics
