MATHEMATICS WEEK/STAGE 1
Well, it has begun. Year 2 of Teacher Education and my first math blog of the new semester. Actually, it was great week. We started out with some math class activities that highlighted the importance of good dialogue with our students. The professor started off by saying that she was going to show us a card trick that was easy and that we would understand it. Everyone found the trick frustrating because we could not perfect it and many of us shut down. The lesson learned here is that educators can foster mathematical understanding by avoiding words such as "easy" and developing a math talk learning community.
I liked how we created an answer garden about math. It was interesting to see my peers' varied perspectives regarding math. The answers ranged from awesome/engaging to annoying and complicated. This is the reality and mindset of society and how we view mathematics. This would be a great activity for our students so that we can have the conversation that all can learn math and get to the highest level. It is up to us to use the right communication, resources and strategies that elevate students' interest in this subject.
I am excited to work with Rachel to construct a Webinar. I have never presented one, but I am looking forward to our Web-based seminar. Considering that we will be teaching the 21st century learner, this high tech educational tool is convenient and definitely encourages engagement.
The online activities from the Math Mindset Module included videos highlighting math attitudes, myths, smashing stereotypes and information about brain growth. Overall, these informative segments and research by a top notched professor at Stanford University and other experts showed us why and how we can improve motivation and interest in the elementary mathematics classroom. I was able to relate my personal math experiences and perceptions (good and bad) to allow me to be more open minded about this particular subject. I really enjoyed this video that you can watch here:
The message here is that there is no such thing as a "math person" nor is genetics a factor. Everyone's brain is built for math and we all have the ability to understand math. We just need to practice. As teachers, we must make math a subject that students will love and embrace. That is one of my goals.
Hey Matt!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I really liked the idea how you would like to use your own math garden to create a conversation with your students about creating a positive mindset in math. I never thought of using that to create a conversation, but I will definitely try in my next placement.
I also enjoyed how you emphasize everyone has the ability to understand math, we just need to practice. I believe we as future educators need to practice just as much as our students and I appreciate you trying to finding new tools and strategies in math so students will enjoy it again! Great job !
Hey Matt, I really like the idea of having an open conversation with your own students about math mindsets, attitudes, and stereotypes. There's no reason why we can't extend this conversation to our own students.
ReplyDeleteHey Matt!
ReplyDeleteAwesome blog! Truly, you hit upon so many great points and its only the first week! I also felt like the answer garden was a very interesting and safe way for everyone to say how they really feel about math without the fear of judgement or further questions. I think its a great tool for the classroom and I will definitely use it in my placement this year if I get the chance. Just as our mindset videos for this week demonstrated, the more you know about the mindsets of your students as they approach math, the easier it will be to stop these myths from growing and continuing to hinder these kids from reaching their fullest potential as learners!
Hey Matt,
ReplyDeleteFabulous first blog post, I feel as though you touched on so many great points that we learned and are looking forward to learning throughout our math course!
I really enjoyed your idea to use the answer garden about math with our future students in hopes to be able to change their views towards mathematics. Hopefully through practice and a positive and safe learning environment we will be able to foster excitement and understanding that all individuals have the ability to learn and succeed at math.
I too am greatly looking forward to working with you in our Web-based seminar, although hesitant in how it will all workout I know that with teamwork and putting our minds together we will be able to succeed!
Can't wait!
Rachel Dunne
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteGreat first mathematics post! I really appreciated your views on smashing away stereotypes and your goals as a teacher to accomplishing this. I agree that we as educators need to promote a positive image about mathematics and how students perceive the subject, allowing them to come up with their own personal strategies with combatting these stereotypes. I think that this an area you will find great success in this area, and I look forward to the outcome!
Jacob