Personal Concerns and Next Steps

I have grasped every concept to date with a little reviewing and rereading of troublesome areas.  Some concepts have been learned very easy, while others were definitely a struggle.  When we started working with manipulatives such as: the paper fraction strips and pattern blocks I was lost somewhere out in left field.  I could not see how using fraction strips were any help to solving a problem and if anything it made it harder.  I was having a hard time getting from concrete work to symbolic work.  I tried to use the semi-concrete model, but I was struggling!  During the next class period we continued our discuss on using manipulatives and we went through the session notes and Dr. Reins put a new spin on learning with manipulatives.  We used the pattern blocks again but we added the Cuisenaire rods and to my astonishment it all came together for me.  This may seem somewhat meaningless, but I took a lot out of this experience.  I learned that not every student is going to understand what I am talking about, and that I may have to take a little extra time and teach a concept multiple ways before every student understands.  I now see how manipulatives can really impact a students learning techniques in a positive way.  

Deanna Smith