New Insights and Their Implications - Blog #2

Throughout the last month of class, I have learned many valuable lessons. I believe the module and lesson on geoboards and area of a polygon were the most beneficial activities. I found it challenging to try to formulate different methods for solving the area of a polygon. During this activity, I learned how to cooperate with peers in order to solve more of the difficult problem. When we brought the worksheets back to the classroom, I realized how students could use several different methods to solve an area of various polygons. Even though I was able to view the different methods/strategies my colleagues and the professor used to solve the same problems, I understood my method best.
After completing this specific activity, readings, and modules, I realized that students can learn how to solve problems in various ways. I will use this information and carry it into my future teaching. I believe it is important to allow students the opportunity to show their method/strategy for solving a problem. In addition, I realized that I learned best by using my own method to solve these problems. I have concluded that students will learn best by using their own methods to solve problems. In my future teaching, I will give students problems and ask each student to come up with a method of solving. Even though I struggled through this activity, I believe I learned much more. In conclusion, I believe students will learn a concept more thoroughly if they apply their own ideas to finding the solution.