Mathematics Pentathlon^®
Math Clubs

Math clubs offer many opportunities for students to extend their involvement with the Mathematics Pentathlon program beyond classroom instructional time. When such clubs are organized, they offer students additional time to explore the intricacies of the games and develop sound strategies.

Regardless of whether the Mathematics Pentathlon program is incorporated into classroom instruction or is offered exclusively in a math club, ideally, a combination of both, it is most effective when students are organized into cooperative groups of four. The linked use of the games along with the instructional activities found in Adventures in Problem-Solving Activity Books I & II as well as Investigation Exercises Books I & II improves students' abilities to: communicate their ideas effectively; critically listen to others' ideas; offer creative and varied alternatives to problem situations; and develop critical problem-solving characteristics of flexibility, persistence and inventiveness. While playing these games each think-tank team openly discusses various options and strategies so that all group members can hear. This technique enables all students to mature in their understanding of the many variables associated with successfully completing a game. Heterogeneous grouping is suggested so that students of varying abilities or learning styles assist each other with their different perspectives of the game's characteristics. Speed is not the issue in the Mathematics Pentathlon games. Students should be encouraged to look at alternative responses to a game situation and to select a reasoned option. Although knowledge of basic facts is important to some of the Mathematics Pentathlon games, it is the strategic use of that knowledge that is most essential.

While using the Mathematics Pentathlon games, teachers and/or parents are encouraged to move from group to group and ask students questions about the choices they have made. By doing so teachers/parents slow down the impulsive tendencies of students which helps them to become more reflective. To create an environment of constructive competition teachers/parents ask opposing team members to shake hands and wish each other good luck when beginning a game. Likewise, at the end of each game, opposing team members are again encouraged to shake hands to demonstrate their appreciation for each team's efforts in "giving it their best shot." Since the games deal with a wide range of mathematical thought including spatial/geometric, arithmetic/computational and logical/scientific reasoning, the games are ideal for a wide range of abilities and learning styles. All students should be provided with opportunities to experience the Mathematics Pentathlon games and encouraged to develop their problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities.

Is your school interested in a
"Starter Kit?"
Designed by Coaches to help Coaches start a Math Pentathlon Club.

GO TO
Frequently Asked Questions
For answers in real life, by real coaches of Math Pentathlon Clubs.