Summary and Synthesis

These last weeks we have been learning about fractions. We have been using the (CGI) Cognitvely Guided Instruction book. I like this book because it shows very good insites to teaching math. I also liked watching the videos that came in the book. I agree with how the teachers had many different manipulatives that kids could use to solve the math problems. I like how they let the children solve the math problems their way instead of just giving them one way. I also liked how she had them teach the class how they solved it. I am still amazed by how many ways there are to teach fractions. I really like this about them because it could be easier for a student in a way...but it could be harder for a student to do it that way....so there are numerous ways you could teach the students in order for them to understand the problems.

Summary and Synthesis

I did not realize until the last couple weeks of class how many different ways we as teachers can teach fractions. I can honestly say that I still struggle with adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions. It seems as though every time I am presented with these I am having to be retaught each and every time. It is good that there are so many different ways that we can teach this and make each student understand. Using the fraction bars, pattern blocks, or Cuisenaire rods are all helpful methods to help students see the fractions and to do the math problems with. I am not sure if we had these when I was learning this in school, but I can definately see how helpful they are now. You know, Math is my worst subject. The reason is becuase no one can ever tell me why we do the things we do in math. I was always just told, "That's the way it is! I have a really hard time when things are not explained to me or if I can't see it or physically do it. I think that these manipulatives are great learning tools becuase students can actually see why and how. Working with partners has also been a learning experience. Watching how other groups members solved the probems compared to my style was interesting. It showed that not every students will go about the problem the same way.
There are many methods that can help students learn about fractions. Teachers and students will actually have to work together to come up with methods and teaching strategies for the best learning to occur.

New Insights and Their Implications

These past few weeks in class we have been introduced to methods of how to teach students about addition and subtraction and multiplication and division. Dr. Reins has recently introduced the Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) to us. Although this method is fairly new to us, the basis of the approach is to use concrete materials, such as fraction bars, pattern blocks, or other manipulatives, to help students see or "act" out the problems. I think this method is a wonderful way for students to get a visual of what is happening during an addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division process. The CGI approach is a great way for students to figure things out on their own also. They have manipulatives to use to demonstrate 4 + 2 or 7 x 4. All students have different ways of thinking, and by giving them blocks, a time line, or fraction bars, they are able to show their process of thinking. This can be beneficial to the teacher so that he/she can see how their students learn best. Another point I would like to make about CGI is that the teacher should have all the students model how they arrived at a solution and their way of thinking. The teacher should be there to guide and instruct the students, and also encourage them.