Questions and Answers

Hey everyone,

I guess I have been wondering if I can ever bust out of the traditional way of learning. I have been wrapped up in it for so long, I feel as though I only know how to do it that one way. I know that I want to teach constructively, but I am still struggling with ways on how to do it. For example, I have been working on the Pick’s Theorem problem and I am trying my best to figure it out on my own, without help from peers or looking it up, but inside I am screaming for a solution, a formula, an answer!
I am thinking about how it is so easy to get an answer when you are learning traditionally because the teachers just give you the answer, but in the end, am I even learning? Now, when I don’t have a formula to work with, I actually have to look and search for the answer by myself and without help. It is hard and in the back of my head I am asking myself, is the traditional way of learning really that bad? I know the answer to that question. I know that learning constructively is the only way to actually learn. What I am trying to say is that it is extremely tough to go from one way of learning to a total opposite way of learning. I am trying to adapt, I know it will take time. I just want to know how everyone else is feeling. Am I the only one who is struggling trying to transition into this new type of learning? Does anyone else feel like at times they even miss the traditional type of learning? I am just curious…


Lauren

New Insights & Their Implications

When I first entered the classroom I was terrified. I always thought I was horrible with math concepts and never had much interest in it. I always viewed it as my worst subject and was terrified of that simple word "Math". Little did I know that in just a few weeks I would start to form a passion for math. Yes, I said it...I guess I do like math after all. I believe what changed my mind the most was how the information has been delivered. I have always been taught math the traditional way much like what we are seeing today. With this new approach of constructivism and testing it out, I think it is something that I really enjoy. Yes, the homework and activities have been quite challenging and involve a great deal of analytical thinking to work through problems. This is what helped me to understand and never forget the content. Before we did the area of polygons activity, I would have never been able to tell anyone how to get the answer...right off the top of my head. After working through the problems I figured it out and I found it fun to find each answer. After spending an hour of much analyzing, I know that I will never fail to find the area of a polygon. It is honestly something that I will never forget! I know that it is due to having to figure out how to solve the problem on my own and now I can recall those steps. I would love to teach in a constructivist approach. I know this will be challenging to do and I will need lots of resources, support, and time. I feel this is the best approach for students to learn. I learned so much and want the same for my students. I am now going to challenge myself to think in more of a constrivist way from here on out.