Right Path to Math

[rightpathtomath]

Ticket Out The Door:

Observation: In my placement my adviser made sure that every student had to hand in a ticket out the door before they left class. A ticket out the door is a equation that is put on the board. Each student must complete it and get the answer right before the leave the classroom. 

Reflection: This type of technique in teaching, shows teachers which students are struggling with the concept that is being taught and it will give teachers a better understanding on what to review or focus on for the next class. 

Reflection on Reflection: I believe that when my adviser implemented this into his daily routine, he was able to better serve students who were in need of the extra help! I think this would be effective in the classroom. 

[rightpathtomath]

Using a Clock to Learn Fractions:

Observation: Clocks can be used to teach the basics of fractions to students who have a hard time with understanding them. It is a great way to use something that used daily as a visual reminder of how things can be divided.

Reflection: The lesson is taught by telling students to pretend that both hands on the clock are broken. Then placing them both at 12. Then placing the hour hand on the 2. Then asking the students what fraction that is 2/12 then you can ask them to simplify it 1/6.

Reflection on Reflection: Students find this an easy way to understand how fractions are made. The visualization will help assist them when they are working on problems. 

[rightpathtomath]

Evolution of Math/ Computers do the Calculating:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsWKyFg9IdM

Observation: Math has changed since before math was learned with pen and paper however today it has become about the use of computers. People used to structure thought through the use of math. Math isn't about calculating is a bigger subject. Math is not about the calculating it is about figuring out the process and the reasons behind what is done. 

Reflection: I think this lesson on the evolution is important because I do believe that before people who were learning math, learnt it with a purpose and they used their minds to come about the answers. However today, we learn the formulas and the methods to use our calculators to figure out the answers to math questions.

Reflection on Reflection: Thus, I think it is important for students understand the process of math and then use the computer to calculate because math is not just about calculations. Its about a process and a systematic way to figuring out the answers to a problem.  

[rightpathtomath]

Boys only Classrooms:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEDii2oNOjU

Observation: This video is one about how a male teacher decided that he wanted to teach only male students and how his teaching skills have changed for the better.

Reflection: Although teaching a one gender class seems out of the ordinary. As I watch this video I see the benefits of how it works for this teacher and his students. He saw that there was a need for male students to be taught differently. They are more engaged with specific instructions, deadlines and they worked better when there is a hands on approach. He succeeded in getting the boys engaged and they learnt better and it made him a better teacher.

Reflection on Reflection: I have to agree with his style of teaching in someways. He saw the need for male on male attention and he took the leadership role. He said that boys need instructions and deadlines and his classroom was structured as such with equipment that would help him such as alarms, screen stop watch, smart boards  He said he was able to teach students to work individually and collectively. 

[rightpathtomath]

Displaying Math:

Observation: In my practicum, my adviser used his IPad to display students work on the Smart board when they have completed or solved a problem.

Reflection: This was a great way to get students engaged in the lesson because they  had incentive to complete their work so that their peers could see what a great job they had done. This also gives them great self value because it shows that no only were they on task throughout the period but they solved the math problem.

Reflection on Reflection: When students were given the ability to be the teacher, instructor, educator on the concept that they were taught, it gave them confidence. Confidence to stand up in front of the class and display their work and the confidence to speak to a large group. They also enjoyed what they were doing and that is important when teaching a lesson, having students enjoy what they are doing! And seeing them succeed is the benefit of educating. 

[rightpathtomath]

Counting Cards:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=TQ7Nj5PLP1A&feature=fvwp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRzZX2aN3I0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HHVob7FiSc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QflVqavHHM0

"What happens in the past, impacts what happens in the future"

Observation: Introducing movies such as 21, a movie that is popular and engaging to students can help introduce math concepts. The idea of counting cards, which is depicted as something that is not good can be used to teach other skills in math such as mental math, addition, multiplication, probability etc. All of these concepts work together when one plays Blackjack (21). 

Reflection: The introduction of the movie 21 is something that will engage students into trying out this type of math. It is also great for being informative as students come to understand the dangers of counting cards, gambling etc. However it does teach them how important or fun counting cards can be when playing Blackjack with friends. 

Reflection on Reflection: The great thing about this lesson is the fact that if the students are doing the math correctly then there is 100 percent chance that they will get the answers right and in turn win the game of blackjack. However it all has to do with their ability to count cards. This is a great way to get students practicing math at home and trying to do mental math. 

[rightpathtomath]

The Greatest Mathematicians:

Observation: An important lesson that was taught in my practicum was a lesson on the  great Mathematicians that have made a impact on the math lessons that are taught in school's today. The assignment that is given out to the students is one where they have to research the origins of a concept in the math classes that have been taught throughout the term. 

Reflection: This is a great lesson and assignment because it gives students a greater understanding of why they are learning math. It also shows them the thought process of the mathematicians as they are trying to solve problem. Why they did it? What the purpose was? And why it was important?

Reflection on Reflection: This is a great learning tool for the students because it informs them why math is important and who it involved. It also shows them the evolution of math from the past into the present and where it may become useful in the future. 

[rightpathtomath]

Pictures, Words and Numbers:

Observation: It is commonly taught that student when writing a math test or answering any math equation should use pictures, words and numbers when answering the answer to an equation or problem. 

Reflection: I believe that this is a good way to go about answering the questions because it is a very reflective practice. Students are able to really think about their answers and use sentences, numbers and a picture of how they came about finding the answer to the question.

Reflection on Reflection: I found this benefical in my practicum as students were able to find flaws, mistakes in their answers because they had this 3 step rule to answering their questions. They are truly taught to reflect on the problem and their answer. Therefore it is a great way of getting students to understand the concept they are learning. But also giving them the confidence to write out their answers knowing how they came to answering it. 

[rightpathtomath]

Dart Board Fun:

Observation: In my placement my adviser brought in Dart boards to teach a lesson on angles and how to figure out the area of the rectangles within the circle.

Reflection: The first reaction of the students was thrill because the students were impressed by the fact that they would be able to play games throughout their math class. However this was a math game with a purpose. 

Reflection on Reflection: The students not only looked forward to the math class but they actually were using the math skills learned to find out the area of the rectangles! This method of teaching math is great because students are actually learning something and they are having fun while doing it! 

[rightpathtomath]

Group Work in Math Class:

Observation: In my first placement my associate decided to divide the students into groups (a student who was strong in math, student that has able to grasp concepts easily once they were taught and finally students who had a hard time with math). Then he would give them a math question and as the group to come up with the answer collectively. 

Reflection: I found this idea very interesting. At first I thought that the students would not get to much work done because they are a chatty bunch. However while participating in the activity I have never seen them so focused. They also had to present their work to the class so I guess there was incentive for them to pay attention and stay on task.

Reflection on Reflection: Not only did the students complete the task that was at hand but they worked together to get the answer. They were able to teach each other independently without the help or assistance of the teacher. I found this really profound because dealing with chatty grade 8's is a task on its own but to get them working together and solving math problems is amazing. 

[rightpathtomath]

Rules in Math:

Observation: Throughout my journey in school I have been taught to solve math equations using numerous rules.  Rules in place value, rules in multiplying, dividing etc. 

Response: Rules are not always beneficial when trying to solve mathematical problems because sometimes they limit us on ways to figure out the answer. Sometimes these rules keeps us from figuring out the right answer.

Response to Response: It is true that not all rules are beneficial but they do stand as a guide or that is what they have been used to do. However rules defeat the purpose of independent learning or inquiry based learning because it cancels out the ways in which one can come to the answer. Real learning takes places when we make mistakes and try different various ways of figuring out the answer. 

[rightpathtomath]

The use of Monopoly During Free Time:

Observation: This game can be used to teach students many lessons that are not strictly restricted to math.  When playing this game students work with numbers, money, property, value etc. 

Response: Students in my grade 8 class played this game throughout their indoor recess and free time. This game is extremely beneficial because it teaches students the responsibility of budgeting money and knowing where and when to spend ones money. It gives students a taste of the way the real world works when buying properties etc.

Response to the Response: Not only does this game teach students the important life lessons on value, money, budgeting etc but it also keeps them entertained and having fun while making wise decisions.    

[rightpathtomath]

Math Posters in the Classroom

Why use Posers in the Classroom?

Displaying posters around the classroom is a tool that can be used for effective teaching. Not everything that a student learns is through verbal instruction. There are other means by which learning takes place such as memorization, visual examples, instruction, experimentation, mistakes etc. However what draws students to independently dive into their math problems when they are bored or frustrated with their lack of understanding of a topic is the posters that are around the walls of their classroom. 

Posters that challenge students to become active members of learning regardless of whether they realize they are learning or not. The first posters draws students in by giving them a reason to do math.  They are being taught to become mathematicians, detectives looking for clues when they are posed with a math word problem. This way students are able to have fun with their learning and it may even push them into finding the right answers. Math does not have to be just be about numbers, rather it can be fun! It's about problems that need to be solved. 

The Second poster is one that helps students remember the order of operation when they are faced with a math problem. This is a great tool for students to help them independently come up with the answers for problems. When they forget what the the method of operation is they do not need to ask a friend, peer or the teacher because the answer to their questions are on the walls.  These posters help give independence to the students and it motivates them without interrupting the entire class. It is a tool that helps them learn on their own. It will also motivate them and give them confidence in themselves when they work through the problem and get the right answer without the help of anyone. 

[rightpathtomath]

Games and Technology in Math Lessons

The use of technology within the classroom is something that should be put into practice when teaching any subject matter. However, it would be greatly beneficial for students when learning math.

As educators we know that not all students are at the same level of development and understanding of the material taught. Thus, it is our responsibility to make sure all the students are taught in different ways that will reach each student. One way would be through the use of technology.

The technology phenomenon has been taking over the way in which our world is run. Computers, laptops, cellphones, tablets etc. are items that are used all the time and it has reached every generation. Therefore I think it is important for educators to use technology in the classroom as it has become something that is a vital part of our culture and generation.

It is interesting to see that sometimes when students are given a math equation and are taught how to get the answer they don't understand the logistics behind getting the answer. It doesn't make sense because it’s about something that doesn't really affect them. However when you give a similar example of math equation in the form of a game all of a sudden there is an incentive to figure out the answer. What once seemed boring is something that is now entertaining, fun and has a purpose.

As educators we need to meet our students needs in any way that we can by allowing students to learn math through the use of technology. For example the game Motion Math, it has lessons that are relevant to the curriculum but it is also fun and entertaining. This game is can be played on an Iphone,Ipad, Labtop,Computer etc.  It is also a great way to reach students with learning disabilities who have a hard time focusing. These games will grab their attention and keep them learning while having fun!

[rightpathtomath]

Inquiry based Learning:

This is an idea that was put to use in Texas as in a University. Professors would put up a math problem on the board and then s/he would give students a few minutes to come up with the answer based on their own understanding of the question. Then after they have spent time trying to figure out the solution to the problem they would have the chance to come up to show the class how they came to their finding.

The professors have found the students are most likely to remember how to solve problems when they find out how to answer the question of their own. It has also proven to change their perspective on math as many students have felt like they were never really good at math or they didn’t fully understand it.

This type of learning interconnects into other subjects because students are lead to read questions more closely and it is their responsibility to read between the lines and dig deep of the answer independently. Although this is a new way of learning which is not conventional it is still effective for some students. This approach pushes teachers out of the way of being the sole educator and allowing students to take the lead as the teacher acts as more of a guide.

If this type of learning is beneficial for university students then it may also be even more beneficial if students are taught to learn independently at earlier grades!

[rightpathtomath]

Origins of what We Learn:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_LDR1_Prveo#!

Observation: The video that is represented here describes the origins of the algebra by giving students a lesson on the history of what the word means and where the concept came from.

Reflection: I think that this is a very good way of introducing a new topic by giving the background information of the subject. It will help students understand what they are studying and why they are studying it. Ie. Algebra comes from the book Aj Kitab al-mukhtasar fi hisabal-gabr wa’l-muqabala which means book of calculations of completion.

Reflection on Reflection:  This is beneficial because it give students an understanding on what algebra is and when they are faced with a question or problem it can’t understand the understanding of the name of the concept may help lead them into finding the answers. Ie. completion/restoration/calculations .

[rightpathtomath]

Learning Formula's Through Songs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGJrH49Z2ZA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIZTruxt2rQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=t2uPYYLH4Zo

Observation: This school made songs and music videos on the math formulas that students have to learn for the year. It focuses on Trig, Algebra, Factoring etc. 

Reflection: The video helps students memorize formulas through the use of songs. I think this is a very good idea because the teachers found songs that students enjoyed or songs that are apart of popular culture that all the students would know. they take those songs and add catchy lyrics to it that have to do with math. This way students are able to memorize the formulas easily. 

Reflection on Reflection: Underneath all of the videos it can be clearly seen that students are benefiting from these type of songs. Firstly students find the tunes catchy and it is easy to memorize. Secondly, watching the video (visual aid) with the music attached to it helps some students grasp what is being taught. The way it is taught is light and very informative which makes it easy for students to stay interested.