Personal Concerns and Next Steps

Based on what I have learned, so far, about project based mathematics and CGI instruction I have a few concerns about these teaching methods. I think that CGI and project based teaching are excellent teaching strategies for deepening students’ understanding of mathematical concepts. However, I still believe that there needs to be some traditional instruction in the classroom. My reasoning for this is because students still need to know how to do mathematics on using symbols and formulas. Although using models and pictures are great ways to understand and solve problems, there will not always be time or resources available for students to solve every problem using these methods. Also, my concern may be invalid because it is possible that problem based instruction does include periods of traditional instruction and I just misinterpreted it. Right now, my strategy for mathematics teaching includes teaching students the written/symbol mathematics and showing them examples with models or allowing them to find different ways to solve the problems. My thinking has changed over the semester because now I feel that the students should discover ways to solve problems before learning the traditional method. Some concepts I just do not think students will be able to figure out without prior knowledge. Exponents would be a topic that I would be interested to see how it is taught through CGI or project based before it is traditionally taught.

-Branden