Summary and Synthesis

This math course has been different then ones I've taken in the past. Over the semester, we have learned the reasoning and processes behind math concepts. Instead of learning how to do math concepts, we are learning why we do the problems and how to make connections. Dr. Reins has used a variety of methods to help us learn about connection and how to help students make connections. If, we as, educators don't know the process behind math problems, we can't help our students to discover them or make connections. With the help of manipulatives, students can see concrete models of the problems they are doing. Instead of teaching students an algorithm, we should be using activities that allow students to discover it on their own.This semester has helped me to discover just how important it is to understand the "why" in the math problems we are doing. Knowing these things is important so we can help our students deepen their understanding of math concepts.