Math, What is it good for?

For some odd reason when I started this entry I have the tune of the song, War what is it good for in my head.  A lot of people probably have this same question while trying to complete math problems or algebra equations.  I can almost see people struggling and thinking out loud " MATH, what is this good for?"   "Absolutely nothing!"   People in general do not like to do math or algebra and for students that are nontraditional, I can assure you this is, in fact, the case.  I can not pin down the exact reason why so many of us have ill feelings when it comes to math but it's like you said the very first day when we came to class, "You are going to leave here scratching your head and asking why or how."  This is why most people struggle with math and algebra.  If one number is out of place, if one variable is wrong, or the wording confuses you, then the answer will be wrong.  Other classes you can study and usually come up with a mediocre answer that will suffice but not in math.  I think anyone can learn and comprehend math and algebra with enough practice and positive actions.  If you do then great but some will always struggle but it could be just within themselves on a more personal level.  If you think negatively then your outcome will more than likely be negative.

Common Core Yay or Nay?

My initial impression of common core method is WHY?  What is wrong with how I learned my multiplication table?  Common core is a longer way from A to B rather than just remembering how I get from A to B.  When getting into Algebra and long division you rely on your memory of multiplication to quickly solve equations.  Equations are already long enough but to add common core methods would make things way to time consuming!  The video reminds me of using base in class.  Using symbols for place holders rather than the value.  As a parent but not of children who brings common core home yet, I feel very anxious about helping with homework.  Video or not, I haven't been taught the basics of common core to fully understand how to help or teach a child.  It would be like trying to teach a child to ride a bike but have never successfully ridden one yourself.  As for me trying to attempt a common core problem, I will have to pass for now.

Project Based Learning

Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, problem, or challenge.
Project based learning is different than a typical classroom because students are  evaluated on the basis of their projects, rather than on the comparatively narrow rubrics defined by exams, essays, and written reports.  To find supporting research for PBL is as easy as asking and communicating with  everyone involved.  From the teachers and administrators, to the kids and parents, anyone that is involved can support the idea that PBL is a tool that can excel any student.  Classrooms that I will be teaching will almost exclusively be PBL.  To learn any sport or activity in Phys ed., it would be next to impossible to learn from pen and paper.  Trial and error with hands on activities and practice to work on skills.

Math for Teachers Reflection 4

By missing the lecture on the 29th and not receiving the 3 Circle Venn Diagram, I can not exactly say that my answers were reasonable or unreasonable.  Following along in class with the homework assignment, I can say that the answers that the class gave as a whole did make sense in my mind, so yes reasonable would be the way to describe it.  I was able to "fill in the blanks" as we moved forward from this assignment but I am still not 100% sure of myself for this particular section in our curriculum.

The levels of Blooms taxonomy used in this problem were levels 2, 3, and 4.  Understanding, applying, and analyzing with applying being my downfall as of now.  I can understand what needs to be done but then to get started and apply the steps, is the hard part.  Analyzing the problem in class makes it clearer on how to actually start the applying.

 

To reteach this concept to a third part, Using  a classification chart is jumping out at me.  Putting like items in a chart with unlike characterisitcs would seem a little simpler, in my mind, before moving to a Venn Diagram.  Although on this particular problem, it may be more difficult to do this process since only numbers are used.  Question 11 of our text and what we used during class would make more sense to use a classification chart.

Edmodo/Symbaloo

The most difficult part of this assignment was just trying to figure out how to assign and embed a quiz.  It did not take long, however, to feel better about this process by some trial and error.  In my classroom, I would use Symbaloo much as we did in class, maybe to prep students for the next days activities by adding a video for a new sport or the rules of the game.  Using Edmodo for a quiz can be very challenging the first time but once you have the steps I think it was relatively easy.  Overall this was a insightful assignment especially for someone who does not have much technology in their background.

Reflection about Feelings of Math

The relatable post #109 is an excellent reference in how I feel during Mathematics for Elementary Teachers.  You feel like you have gotten the concept but then it all falls apart.  The Venn Diagram is also something that makes me feel this way but maybe with some practice things can get clearer.  Practice makes perfect!

Reflection for Math/Teachers

I've always felt that I was strongest at Math and Algebra in high school and even in what I have taken in college.  This class on the other hand I need CLARITY.  The student being confused is an understatement.  I've always thought of math/algebra being cut and dry but this is a whole new level for me.  In my group one of the questions was, What pieces of the problem make sense to you and which parts are confusing? At first most makes since but then doubt starts coming into play.  I can second guess myself all day.  Reading a problem as a whole seems to make sense but once I try to figure out the answer and break the problem down into pieces then I start confusing myself.  I do feel that the way we have been breaking into groups is reassuring because I am not alone.  All that can be done is keep showing up and stay positive!

Mobile Learning UsingPodcast

Technology today is used in many different aspects of our lives.  One of those aspects is in how we learn.  Most people have or have access to mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones.  By receiving information to learn from, on these kinds of devices, would be what is considered mobile learning.  Another way to learn is from a podcast.  This is episodes of audio or video recordings of a program, lecture, or performance that is available on the internet.  Podcast have major advantages in that they allow educators to interact with students on a level that can be more engaging and  allow for more engaging content. Educators that are using this type of technology are improving overall student/teacher relationships by breaking down barriers between the learner and lecturer.  To begin this process of podcasting, first you would want to know who your wanting to aim this information to and  how it will be able to be received, if at all.  As I said most people have or can get this kind of technology but you want to be 100% sure that all students or colleagues will get the message.

I'm kind of confused but I think I will be able to follow this class.

January 15, 2015