After sitting through this week's class I felt refreshed and updated with concepts in mathematics that I hadn't focused on or thought about for quite a while. During the first few weeks of class, I was a bit nervous about the semester, especially when thinking about the math "assignments". I was definitely overwhelmed with how the course load was organized, but have settled in, and am now starting to relax. Lately, I've realized that the most important aspect of teaching is how students learn in their classrooms and the different/varying abilities. Rather than how we are going to teach the students, how do the students learn best? Although I am still uneasy and uncomfortable teaching math concepts to students, I am keeping an open mind and making sure to stay engaged during both my math class and at placement, to learn the best strategies and methods in the best interest of students' learning.
JUMP2MATH (2019).
For example, during the four learning activity presentations we explored different ways to learn and practice fractions. I was intrigued by how Sarah used geometric manipulative's because not only did I feel engaged to complete the lesson however, it brought back memories from elementary school. Also, I enjoyed John's cross-curricular lesson plan activity that included using a musical representation in regards to learning fractions as music notes. Although I do not have a music background or am familiar with how notes are used as fractions, I found the knowledge that he provided was helpful and informative. Overall, fractions are an important concept of number sense and numeration for everyone to know in order to solve problems that occur in daily, in real-life situations (MOE, 2005, pg. 88-89).
For the past two weeks, we have started getting into placements. I am at a public school with a grade 4/5 split. The varying level of abilities in math is interesting and surprising as I observe. I found that a majority of students don't quite understand mathematical concepts. However, when students are attempting questions that the teacher provided them with I see different and individual strategies, which is helpful for me to comprehend the student's abilities for future practices. Also, this experience is rewarding because I get to interact with students and attempt to help them with math, which for once I can do. This makes me remember and reflect that my growth mindset is continuously and positively changing, as well as and preparing me for the future.
Adapted from Carol Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (2014).
When connecting all of the courses from school, a growth mindset has been discussed by many professors. I find that I have a great growth mindset because I have always been open to challenges and trying to build my life experiences to be successful. When it comes to math I try to remember that it's not always going to be easy. Although there are some components of math concepts that I struggle with, I try my hardest to work through the problem even when I am having trouble. The main goal is to continue being positive through my journey and believe in myself. Finally, words of advice in building a growth mindset:
- Learn from your mistakes
- Effort is essential
- Setbacks are apart of life, especially when TRYING to LEARN
- Have an open mind, to allow for critical and constructive feedback
- Embrace your outcomes and failures; this is an opportunity to learn and grow
- Work hard - always!
Resources:
Dweck, C. (October 9, 2014). YouTube: Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ&app=desktop and Cohort: EDBE 8F01 Teaching in the Ontario Context.
Jump2Math. (2019). Math Shop. Retrieved from https://jump2math.ca/product/pizza-fraction-floor-graphics/
Ontario Ministry of Education (2005). The Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-8 Mathematics. Retrieved from: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/math18curr.pdf
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