Eled 330

Throughout this course, my thoughts about math have gone up and down. At the beginning of this course,  I didn't like the methods Dr. Reins used and I didn't feel as though I was learning anything. As the semester progressed, I was able to see a different side to those methods and I started to like the course more. This course all came down to one thing, "the test" To a lot of us, it was the hardest and most time consuming test that we have ever taken. I walked away from that test having no idea how I did but I hoped for the best. Am I satisfied with how I did, no completely. I hoped for an A but I'll settle for a B. This test challenged us in many ways that we have not been accustomed to. We are used to answering pretty basic questions that require no critical thinking or showing of the process we used to get to that answer. After taking the test, I realize the importance of this course. I realize that as future math teachers, we need to understand the processes that are required in order to effectively teach a certain concept in math. We must know how to explain this process and also be able to teach it so that if children are ever tested like we just were, they will be able to fully accomplish a task that we couldnt. I understand the methods of this course, and are they the most comfortable? no, but if this is what the math world is coming down to, we must accommodate and learn to like it. This course has definitely taught me many different strategies and methods to put forth in math and I can now feel accomplished for all the hard wor put towards this course.

ELED 330 Test

The recent test we took was at the higher level of thinking. I studied quite a bit for the test yet I did not feel 100% comfortable with the material. When the test was in front of me I seemed to struggle to come up with the answers. The part that was the worst for me was time. I felt very rushed even after staying fifteen minutes late before I turned in my test because I had to get to my other class. Even after turning the test in, I had no idea how well I did on it. This test did make me feel like a fifth grader who was getting overwhelmed while taking a hard test. As a teacher, we need to make sure the students are well prepared for exams by giving them study strategies as well as ways to use the resources that are available.

Test

Throughout this class I learned how to teach mathematics differently. When studying for the test, I went over the entire study guide and filled it out. I also looked over my notes and tried to work out problems. Since I was gone for a week it was harder for me to figure out how to work out what I missed. Going to the review session was helpful. Going into the test I wasn’t a 100% comfortable with all of the material, but I didn’t know how else I could study. After taking the test, I was exhausted. I haven’t taken a test that made me think that hard before. It felt like I was taking the ACT again. Overall though this course, has helped me develop a better understanding of teaching mathematics.

Summary and Synthesis

In the last few class periods, we had groups of students teach us. I have never really learned from other students teaching, but these last few times I have learned and understood the concept. Also I feel like I understand these topics better than I have in the past. When peers teach each other, I feel like they are able to get on our level to help us understand.