Teresa-Marie's Math Mindset

          Let's imagine ourselves in a classroom in front of our class with a new activity involving just a worksheet and minimal discussion with classmates. As you circulate the room to make observations, you realize that the students are disengaged and not focusing on the task at hand. After the lesson, you further reflect on what went wrong. Why were the students disengaged? What could you have modified to change the outcome of the lesson? Is there a different approach one could take to extend learning for all types of learners in the classroom?  via GIPHY An innovative strategy to help students stay engaged in the classroom is through the use of blended learning activities. According to a video resource presented by Edugains , blended learning is a "combination of face-to-face and online learning." Through this strategy, educators help teach concepts and differentiate learning for all types of learners in the classroom. ...

          As educators, how do we determine what constitutes as a rich mathematical task? Yes we are able to provide students with math problems. However, in what manner are we able to provide students with problems that supply a deeper understand of concepts? via GIPHY One way educators are able to provide this understanding is through the use of rick tasks. According to the article titled What is a Mathematically Rick Task? , the author Steve Hewson suggests that "rich tasks open up mathematics. They transform the subject from a collection of memorized procedures and facts into a living, connected whole." As students are able to learn through rich mathematical tasks, they are able to delve deep into a math concept; utilizing their opportunity to use critical thinking skills as they problem solve through  questions.In addition, students will be able to generate their own ideas about solving problems that are accessible to...

          Once again, this week has proven to be a great learning experience; extending our knowledge in the realm of mathematics. To begin, this week started with reviewing the Capacity Building Series   document on differentiating math instruction. As educators, it is our responsibility of being aware of the needs of our students. Each class we are placed in will have a variety of learners. Whether your students are visual, kinaesthetic,  linguistic, musical, etc. learners, teachers must suit the needs of all students. According to the Capacity Building Series document, "d ifferentiation is an organized yet flexible way of proactively adjusting teaching and learning to meet kids where they are and help them to achieve maximum growth as learners." During my placement last year, I was able to see first hand how my associate teacher was able to accommodate and modify her teaching whether the student had an IEP or not...

          Just think back to when you were a student, sitting in math class, being told to memorize your multiplication table or the formula to solve a problem asking for area. But why do I as a student need to know these concepts? Why am I learning this? These are the pressing questions that students ponder about whenever introduced to a new concept. As educators, we have a responsibility to guide our students and help them fully understand mathematical concepts. This week's discussion focused around the notion of knowing vs. understanding: the difference between the two.  via GIPHY           A major problem with students today surrounds the idea that they do not fully understand the concepts being taught. Therefore, the question remains: Should educators drill concepts into their students in order for them to know a concept? Or should they teach strategies to help students understand conc...

          Welcome back fellow classmates! It has definitely been an exciting year; meeting new people, learning new skills and teaching strategies, and having the opportunity to demonstrate and strengthen these skills in the classroom. Last year, I was definitely feeling uneasy about teaching math due to the fact that I was never very fond of math throughout school; elementary or high school. However during my time at placement, I had the opportunity to primarily teach a couple units of math; which included patterning and data management. This experience allowed myself to become more comfortable teaching this subject area. I was able to use my background knowledge to help students learn new concepts while completing fun and interactive activities. For placements this upcoming year, I have set a goal for myself: using more inquiry-based learning to encourage students learn concepts by while exploring activities through mathematical scenarios. ...