What approach should instructors use to teach fractions effectively?

Employing visual models, such as pie charts or fraction bars, is a highly effective approach to teaching fractions because it helps students to understand abstract concepts more concretely. Visual models allow learners to see the relationships between parts and wholes, making it easier for them to grasp how fractions work. For instance, a pie chart can illustrate how a whole can be divided into equal parts, visually demonstrating what a fraction represents. Similarly, fraction bars can show how different fractions compare to one another in size, providing an intuitive understanding of addition, subtraction, and equivalence of fractions.

This approach caters to a variety of learning styles, particularly visual learners, and aids in retention by allowing students to manipulate and visualize the fractions in a tangible way. When students can visualize the fractions, they are more likely to engage with the material, ask questions, and develop a deeper understanding, which is fundamental in mastering the concept of fractions.

While numerical calculations, verbal explanations, and providing context-free worksheets can play roles in a comprehensive teaching strategy, they often lack the direct, engaging, and intuitive understanding that visual models provide.