It is crazy to think that we are basically half-way through the semester and course. This is just a constant reminder that soon enough we will be in our placements teaching mathematics to elementary school children, which is nerve-racking. Although this makes me worried, every class is an opportunity to improve in the subject while reminding myself that I must have an open-mind to contribute to a positive growth mindset.
The Hidden Opponent, 2019
Previously, in last week's class we learned about number sense and numeration - proportional thinking/reasoning, which were explained during learning activity presentations. These presentations were extremely relatable and applicable to real life situations, specifically while discussing the importance of rates, ratios and percentages. During the presentations, fellow teacher candidates related mathematical concepts to recipes, maps, driving, money and other.
This is important when connecting to the math curriculum because under Number Sense and Numeration, students must have a "general understanding of number
and operations as well as the ability to apply this understanding in flexible ways to make mathematical judgements and to develop useful strategies for solving problems" (Ministry of Education, 2005, pg. 8). With this being said, math is important in all aspects of life because of the ability to use every day in the real-world. As for educational purposes, teachers have an ability to show students that these math applications are essential and important in life, and will most likely help engage students when being taught.
[2] Ontario Ministry of Education, 2005.
This week during class, we learned about Integers. During the learning activity presentations, a variety of manipulative's were used, such as money (i.e., quarters), number lines, and a deck of cards. When participating in the activities, it was our job to better understand integers, their importance and how they are incorporated in our lives daily. For example, one of the presenters mentioned that integers are seen in golf scores, temperatures, money, sea levels, and many others.
iPractice Math, 2013.
Moreover, a fact that I learned that I didn't know before was whole numbers can be integers, but integers aren't always whole numbers. Additionally, discussed was how there is a rule that "two negatives don't necessarily make a positive". We used number lines to determine this theory, specifically when looking at adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying integers. Specifically, when taking two negatives, there is still a possibility of it adding up to stay negative. I.e., -10 + -5 = -15. When talking with my group and participating in the activity, it was always clear and evident to us that this was the rule. However, we can't remember why this is and we weren't sure the reasoning behind it.
Online Math Learning, 2018.
Finally, as mentioned earlier, I have learned from other students the importance of keeping an open mindset. Each interaction with students and the experiences with mathematical concepts are learning opportunities that assists in the development as a teacher. Overall, I have realized that I am always learning, as a student and as a teacher. Therefore, the key take away from this week is that learning from other students is essential in my future teaching practices, whether that be elementary or fellow classmates. This is to help set my students up for success, which can be done by making real-world connections that are related to mathematics.
References:
EduGains (November 18, 2010). Big Ideas Questioning K-12: Proportional Reasoning. Retrieved from http://www.edugains.ca/resources/LearningMaterials/ContinuumConnection/BigIdeasQuestioning_ProportionalReasoning.pdf
iPracticeMath (November 25, 2013). Integers in real life. Retrieved from https://blog.ipracticemath.com/2013/11/25/integers-in-real-life/
OnlineMathLearning (2018). Integer Rules Song. Retrieved from https://www.onlinemathlearning.com/integer-rules.html
[1] 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
[2] Ontario Ministry of Education (2005). TIPS4RM Continuum and connections proportional reasoning. Ontario: Education Ministry. Retrieved from http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/studentsuccess/lms/files/tips4rm/TIPS4RMccpropreason.pdf
The Hidden Opponent (2019). Instagram. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/B35I3T1Hfln/
No comments:
Post a Comment