Welcome Back!
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.
For this year's math course, I'm looking forward to continuing this educational journey and making use of strategies that encourage inquiry based demonstrations. This week, we began with an interactive game called "Game about Squares." The game was simple: visit the link and begin playing the game. The object of the game was to match the coloured squares to the same coloured dots.
Lastly, this week's modules had us focus on our attitudes towards math; and the varying myths and stereotypes that are associated with math due to media influence. A resonating aspect that I have taken away from these modules is that ALL individuals are born with the innate capability of learning math. It is through our experiences that individuals are either deterred or end up enjoying math. Therefore as educators, it is important to provide our students with the best learning experience possible that provides a positive view on mathematics. Students will be able to learn to persevere through their struggles and continue to stay engaged in the mathematical concept they are learning.
Overall, this year my goal is to continue to strengthen my math teaching skills. It is important for my own professional growth to keeping a growth mindset. I will take into consideration new strategies and bring these strategies with me to my future placements. I am looking forward to next week's adventures in keeping a great math mindset.
For this year's math course, I'm looking forward to continuing this educational journey and making use of strategies that encourage inquiry based demonstrations. This week, we began with an interactive game called "Game about Squares." The game was simple: visit the link and begin playing the game. The object of the game was to match the coloured squares to the same coloured dots.
Pagliaro, T. © 2017.
I found this game to be very intriguing. It encourages the player to use their problem-solving and critical thinking skills in order pass each level. Since I am a visual learner, this seemed to be a perfect fit. Personally, I need to do a task myself in order to succeed at the task. In this case, the game consisted of many trial and errors before I was able to pass the level. This would be a great rewarding tool to use in the classroom. This game will allow students to learn the importance of persevering while attempting to succeed each level. The teacher could implement a rule of only completing a certain number of levels in order to ensure all students are on the same set of levels. If certain students finish before others, the teacher may also get students to help out their fellow classmates to complete their uncompleted levels. This game is a great confidence booster for students who struggle; allowing them to make multiple mistakes without having penalties set against them. If one would like to explore his game, please click the link below:
In addition, the class also took a look at an intriguing video titled 'Ever Wonder What They'd Notice?' The video has some great insight of using positive language when talking to students in order to promote students to generate their own ideas. If students create ideas in their minds, it gives students a platform to connect with problem-solving questions and their own knowledge. This video definitely reinforced my goal for this year to use more inquiry based teaching. Students seem to be more engaged in activities; and less inclined to give up on the task if he or she is struggling. Please take a look at this eye-opening video:
Lastly, this week's modules had us focus on our attitudes towards math; and the varying myths and stereotypes that are associated with math due to media influence. A resonating aspect that I have taken away from these modules is that ALL individuals are born with the innate capability of learning math. It is through our experiences that individuals are either deterred or end up enjoying math. Therefore as educators, it is important to provide our students with the best learning experience possible that provides a positive view on mathematics. Students will be able to learn to persevere through their struggles and continue to stay engaged in the mathematical concept they are learning.
Overall, this year my goal is to continue to strengthen my math teaching skills. It is important for my own professional growth to keeping a growth mindset. I will take into consideration new strategies and bring these strategies with me to my future placements. I am looking forward to next week's adventures in keeping a great math mindset.
Hey Teresa, I also found the game about squares as one of my favorite parts of this weeks class. The game required the user to challenge and enhance their problem solving skills through the use of a puzzle game. The game can be frustrating at times but it does require perseverance just as you mentioned. I think its important for all of us to keep up a growth mindset so that we set a great example for our students who think that they are unable to be successful in math. Looking forward to gaining new teaching strategies with you and the rest of the class throughout the course.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, Teresa! I think that you felt the same way most of us felt last year when we had entered a class to learn how to teach math when we all in some way weren't completely confident in the subject itself! It is nice to see that you have become more comfortable with teaching math and that you had the opportunity to teach the subject at your placement as well. I really liked how you mentioned that the game about squares is something that could help build a students confidence because there was no tracking of how many times someone had tried to complete the level. It also allowed as many mistakes to take place without any consequences, which is a great point to make! This is a great game to have a class complete because it hits so many aspects.
ReplyDeleteGreat start for your blog, Teresa. You have analyzed several of the class experiences and tied in the math mindset module. As we go forward also tie in readings, webinars (once they start) and even how you are applying new strategies and ideas to your unit planning.
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