Summary and Synthesis

During the last month we have discussed the different ways students can use manipulatives to help them solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions. This is a very important skill for students to have, because it requires the students to think about fractions without just looking at number and memorizing steps used to solve for the solutions. I thought it was very beneficial to have multiple manipulatives, especially the Cuisenaire Rods online. It is a known fact that students have a hard time learning fractions and I agree that building the skills using manipulatives in the beginning will help the students with the skills they need when solving fractions throughout their education.

Summary and Synthesis

This last unit over fractions introduced me to new ways to teach math. There are many different manipulatives available to help make math more hands on and gets students involved. I learned that manipulatives that are not labeled are better when teaching fractions because they can be used to represent different whole units. I really wouldnt have thought about that unless it was brought to my attention. We have also been discussing how a CGI classroom is set up and how it runs. I think this is really interesting because I know personally I like directions and clear and concise explanations, however according to this method of teaching it is all about student exploration and figuring things out on your own. In some ways I agree with this and in others I dont think that it is right. I think that to an extent students need to be taught basic skills and concpets about math and then five them problems to solve on their own. Personally I am not a birg fan of the whole exploration technique because I am HORRIBLE with math concepts and why they work and how you do things. I like steps and directions... but I guess that is something I will have to come to appreciate!