Summary and Synthesis

In my last blog, I discussed the importance of using a constructivist approach when teaching mathematics. In the last couple of class periods, we have begun to learn about Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI). From our discussion in class and from reading our text on CGI, I have become very interesting in the CGI approach. I think that it is a neat way to approach teaching mathematics and can get students thinking deeper than you would expect them to. I can really see myself implementing some CGI instruction in my future classrooms. I don’t think that I could use it as a main form of instruction, but I do think that it would be a great thing to do one day a week or at least once every couple of weeks. I also think that the CGI would fit nicely into a constructivist based classroom. I really feel that these ideas that we are learning about deserve some consideration when planning instruction. They are very different from the traditional approaches that we are use to, but I have questioned the effectiveness of the instruction that I have received through the years. Thus when I am out in the field, I am going to try to incorporate the things that we have learned in this class. I know that this may not be easy, but I am up for the challenge.