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.