Summary and Synthesis

I grew up doing a completely different way of math compared to what I have learned recently. During the past couple weeks in Eled 330, I have realized that math can be learned through a different approach with problem solving. Instead of the teacher standing in front demonstrating a few examples and then assigning a book assignment, now the teacher immerses the students in math. The students learn for themselves what math is all about. Problem solving is an enriching activity where the teacher chooses appropriate problems and stands back to let the students figure out their own mistakes, instead of holding their hands and guiding them the whole way. I learned that there are certain qualities that make a good problem or task good; multiple entry point problems are ideal since students can attack the problem starting at different levels and problems that are meaningful will help the students connect to the problem more, resulting in a more positive math experience. Learning these qualities will help me in the future when teaching math because I will be aware of what type of problems my students will need. During the past couple weeks, I also learned there are different problem solving steps and strategies that need to be used in this new way of teaching. By learning these steps and strategies, I am understanding how children learn and the different techniques they will use to find the answer. Through hands-on activities in class, these techniques have been demonstrated and I will be sure to utilize hands-on activities in my classroom as well. Even though we have been in this course for too long, I have learned so much and I will be sure to utilize this quality information in my future!

Summary and Synthesis

Due to my recent experiences with math, I came into this class with a pretty good feeling about math. I would much rather to math homework than write papers, however, the way we've been learning about math in class for the last couple weeks is different from the way I grew up learning math. In high school, we did math worksheets and problems out of the book just like we talk about not doing with children now. Dr. Reins has really opened my eyes to the new strategies of problem solving and how new teachers need to reform the way math is taught in the classroom. I'm looking forward to the challenge of teaching math in this new light. However, I'm the type of person who has always been good at math but have always had a hard time explaining my answers to my classmates. I'm thankful that Dr. Reins is taking a new approach with us before we go out into the classroom. It's important for students to use the problem solving tools that we've been talking about so they can use the concepts of math in real life. It's important for children to see how math can fit into their everyday life. It's also helpful that he is introducing more than just the state standards in the classroom. In most of our other classes, we just have to align with state standards which in a few years will be of no help if I decide to teach somewhere other than South Dakota. After comparing SD Standards to The Common Core Standards, I can see why it's important to look at both sets. The Common Core standards are much more precise and easy to follow. They use specific terms instead of analyze, understand, identify, etc. I'm looking forward to learning new methods of teaching math throughout the semester.

Summary and Synthesis

These past few weeks have really opened my mind to a new way of teaching math. I will admit, once I entered middle school, math quickly became a subject that I was not confident in at all. That lack of confidence also made me a little nervous to take is this class, too. I've come to realize though, mostly through this class, that the main reason behind my shaky feelings is because math has been primarily a memorization task. We were given a formula, then we repeatedly practiced computing it. However, this class has shown me that math is a process of discovery; of questioning and developing an understanding of core mathematical principles that we can relate to. It has caused me to open my eyes and see that there is a lot more to math than I previously thought. The activities that we have done in class have been very interesting. They have made it evident that we do not need to be clinging to the formulas and procedures that the teachers give us, but that we can create the answers on our own with guidance from them instead. Therefore, I am very interested to see how this semester will progress. I am excited to learn this new match teaching style (even though it will probably be a struggle along the way), and most importantly, I am interested to use this method with my future students.

BLOG #1 SUMMARY AND SYNTHESIS

BLOG #1 SUMMARY AND SYNTHESIS

Since the beginning of this course I have learned how important math is to students and how important it is to be a teacher that focuses on challenges that allow the students to expand their way of thinking. I for one am terrible and uncomfortable with math and hope that this course will allow me to become more familiar and comfortable with the subject so that I am can be a positive teacher in all subjects, especially math. The classes that we have had really have made me think more into math. I have had to think deeper into problems in this class than other math classes because before I could get assistance from the teacher but with this class Dr. Reins has really pushed for us to apply ourselves more and to put more effort into solving the problem without giving us the answers. I have learned that as a successful teacher you need to listen to your students and allow them all to explain how they may have come upon an answer so that everyone in the class has an open mind and can see different perspectives. You must also listen to your students and give them feedback without making them feel stupid or completely wrong about answering questions. I think it is great that we are allowed to work in groups with our peers, this for one allows me (who is completely uncomfortable with math) to listen to others ideas and to see how they solved the problems. This course really makes you open your mind, dig deeper, and apply yourself to every problem and every solution. I plan to take away ideas from this course and to apply them to my future teaching. I really think that George Polya’s steps to problem solving, the ten problem solving strategies, and the process of mathematical inquiry will all help me to apply myself more to math and help my future students. One thing that I am terrible about is giving the answers and not helping the child to find it themselves. I have this issue with my sixth grade daughter; I try to help her solve and end up solving myself and am unsure how I can change my habits? I think that having a chart like Dr. Reins said he had will help me in helping my future students to apply themselves more to the problems. I am hoping that after this class I am more comfortable with math and will teach it appropriately to my students.
Maria Love

Summary and Synthesis

ELED 330 has given me a different insight on helping a student understand and utilize the different methods of math. My philosophy is understanding math from the beginning or early years helps the student to to have a better understanding as he or she goes along. Understanding numbers and the relationships between numbers will help as the student progresses on to algebra. Developing a good foundation requires the understanding and in addition, practicing those methods will help also. Through my experience in math classes, I have learned there are more then one way to solve a problem and the way the instructor teaches his or her way may not be the easiest way for the student. Allowing the student to have multiple ways of solving a problem and taking the task on himself, gives a better hands-on understanding of solving the problem, working independently and developing additional skills and strategies. If a student falls behind in their elementary years without any additional guidance, math only gets harder and the student will not be able to understand and proceed with his or her peers.
The Teaching Problem Solving criteria we touched on was beneficial to me because of the breakdown taught on solving a problem or situation. Thinking logically, reasoning, and understanding the concept, and organizing that part of thinking will help to enable the resolution of the problem. Symbols, charts, and graphs can also deepen their understanding of the concept of math and sometimes visual representation is a key to their understanding. Having multiple strategies to solve a variety of problems enhances the student's ability and to reflect on his or her past experience of problem solving techniques and helps to choose what works best in solving a problem or task.

New Insights and Their Implications

In this course so far, I have learned more about teaching mathematics to young children. The textbook has emphasized on teaching through problem solving. This means not just giving the students a formula and telling them what numbers to plug into it. Instead, the students try their own methods or strategies for solving problems. The instructor has also stressed this and how students can greatly help one another and think of different methods for figuring out or solving the same problem. I also have new insights on how students can help one another. I never really thought of how when students use different strategies from one another to figure a problem out, it could greatly benefit other students to hear about the different methods. Students can learn many different things from each other that can help them understand problems more. Teaching through problem solving might be difficult at first or at different times. My classmates have also mentioned how this way of teaching is different from what they are used to. I have also learned through class, that we all do not solve problems out exactly the same way. I have a new insight on how children learn math and plugging in numbers into a formula might not always be the best way for them to learn something. Over the past couple of weeks, I have learned some new ways for teaching math. It can always be helpful for students to learn from one another and listen to what each other has to say. It is helpful for students to try things out on their own and not always just follow a teacher's way of doing something or solving a problem. This might help them in the future with solving and understanding mathematics.

Summary and Synthesis

After only attending a few weeks of class I have to realize that I really need to step back and look at how I view mathematics. When I was taught math it was always copy the definitions from the book, do practice problems in class, assign homework problems, do the homework problems, and correct them in class the next day to get a grade. Due to the way I was taught math I have become very uneasy about teaching and knowing how to properly teach math because I do not want to make my class suffer from a regular math schedule such as I did for many years. Since I opened our textbook and started reading I have found some great ways to look at math and how to integrate it into other areas in school. I have learned that teaching problem solving in mathematical activities and only telling the students what is necessary to understand the problem and allow them to mull the situation is truly a great way to help them grow in knowledge. I have grow so use to always getting the correct answer to a math problem that I will have to say it has taken a class or two to understand that always being given the right answer as soon as class starts is not a very productive way of accessing the students high level of thinking. I am now able to start to understand the way of Reins teaching and making us mull the problem and then discuss it out loud.

New Insights and Their Implications

Over the last couple of weeks, I have really considered what I know about teaching math to young children. As I get closer to graduating, I am now carefully considering how prepared I am to teach. Mathematics has always been a topic I have enjoyed, but I know many people who strongly dislike math. I do not want to be a teacher who makes her students dislike math. Throughout this class so far, I have learned some valuable tools for helping my future students to succeed. I have learned that it is so important to present problems in different ways and that what seems to make sense for one student may be confusing and seem impossible for another student. I have learned from my peers that we all learn in different ways and how sometimes peers can do a better job of teaching one another that a teacher can. In the shaking hands activity, a peer explained it in a way that was so much easier for me to understand than the way I had figured it out. Having this knowledge about how all students will learn a little differently will greatly impact my future classroom and teaching abilities. The instructor has really made me start to understand the importance of math standards and how I will need to carefully consider the best ways I can meet these standards with the lessons and activities I choose to teach my students with. I have learned that it is important that I challenge my students appropriately.

Summary & Synthesis

In the short time that we have had class, I have learned a lot about the way to present math to students. Often times math is a subject that scares students away, because they are afraid to get the wrong answer or what others might think of them. This class so far has showed me that I need to look at how I will teach students in a whole different perspective. If I encourage them to learn and to what to find a way to get the answer themselves, they won't feel the discouragement of not understanding a formula. I have learned that teaching math shouldn't be a "here is a formula, plug in the numbers, here is the right answer" method, it should encourage students to find their own way of getting the answer and sharing their method with other people. Students need to learn math by doing math, and solving problems themselves. As a teacher, I have learned that I will need to step back and let the student work on their own. If asked for help, I should ask the student to explain themselves and give hints on how to become unstuck, but I shouldn't give the student my way of figuring out the problem. This class so far has taught me that communication in math is huge, and if a student can explain how and why they got an answer or did a problem they will fully understand it better. I have learned to integrate communication into math to help students talk the problem out. This class has also taught me so far that the problems and standards I use in a class is very important to the outcome. So often "formula" problems are used to meet general standards. I have realized that it is important to give deeper thinking problems to the students to meet more specific standards that will help the students in the long run and in many different subject areas.

Summary & Synthesis

The first couple of weeks in class has given me a whole new perspective on how to teach math. I have learned that it is important to back up and give students the chance to solve problems on their own. Teaching math, for most people, means introducing a problem and showing students how to solve it in a step-by-step process. Instead, I have learned that as teachers we need to allow students to work through a problem in a way that works best for them and come up with a solution on their own. Students will learn how to solve problems on their own without relying on a teacher telling them what to do. It is also important for the teacher to allow students time to discuss their problem-solving processes. Discussion gives students the chance to reflect back on their work as well as share their findings with other students. When sharing with others, students will see that there is more than one way to arrive at a solution. I never really thought about this approach to teaching, because I remember learning math the way that the teacher taught it to us--the way she wanted us to learn it. The last few weeks of discussion has really opened my eyes to a method that I would have never thought to use.

Summary and Synthesis

Eled 330 has had helped me to see a whole new perspective on the way to teach math. I didn’t think that it was wrong, nor did I necessarily think it was right, to teach math right out of the book; I am not sure of how I thought was the perfect way to teach math. Being in class over the last few Tuesdays and Thursdays, has brought some insight to me on how to teach math in the correct manner. I, as well of many of my classmates, grew up learning math right out of the book, rarely doing any activities that were not located in the book. If a student did not understand the math problem, then the class continued with math and the student could receive more assistance from the teacher at a later time; there were not multiple entry points for the diverse learners in the classroom. I never remember math dealing with a lot of problem solving either, more memorization than anything else. Now on the other hand, the correct way to teach math is to involve deeper level thinking that engages students, allows students to relate to the math problems brought to their attention, and has several different entry points for the diverse group of learners in the classroom. Students need to use a variety of strategies to come to a solution and the students should also be able to converse with his or her peers about the problem so they can see how their peers approached the same problem in a different way. The teacher should also not give the students the solution to a problem right away rather give the students time to work alone on the math problem, and then allow them to convene with neighbors. The correct way to teach math, that was just previously described, will take deeper level thinking from the teacher than I thought. Math has always been the easiest subject for me in school and I have always enjoyed it thoroughly, but recently in Eled 330 I have become frustrated because I am not used to the deeper level thinking that we are doing; I am upset that I was unprepared for this due to previous schooling. My hope is that if my students were to take this course, they would not get as frustrated as I did working on some of the math problems because I will have prepared them enough for different math problems that are thrown at them.

Summary and Synthesis

Over the past several classes, I have learned numerous things about teaching math. Before, I thought math was just taught by the traditional "here is a problem, here is how you solve it, now you do it on your own," type of way. Now I know that if I want to teach math in such a way that my students will benefit from it, I have to teach them different strategies to approach mathematics. The strategies that were taught in class were somewhat new to me. I have heard and used some of them when I was in high school math class. I had a teacher that was very great at helping students learn new strategies on how to solve a problem, but not necessarily give them the answers or routes in which they should take. Math takes skill and strategies and in order for students to understand mathematics completely, we, as teachers, have to help them get there. We have to help them develop the skills so that they can find a strategy that works for them. That doesn't mean that we give them the strategy to use, it means that we guide them in the right direction. We teach them the problem solving process which is to first understand the problem completely, then to devise a plan to solve the problem, next, carry out the plan you chose, and lastly, take a look back at the strategy used and the route taken to get the answer. Teaching students valuable strategies and skills will help them to be better at math, it will show them the importance on figuring out situations and problems without having someone to hold their hand.

Summary & Synthesis

During the past few weeks of class, I have come to realize that I need take a step back and re-evaluate how I am going to teach math within my future classroom. All I have ever known about ways to teach math is what I observed in elementary school and high school. The same approaches were used class after class and year after year: the teacher provides step-by-step examples and then assisgns an abundance of similar problems for students to practice. However, after the short time spent in this course, I now understand the importance of teaching students how to problem solve rather than just practice the steps that were shown to them. By doing so, students are able to make their own interpretations and use their own approaches and background knowledge when solving problems. As we discussed in class, when teaching problem solving skills, we, as teachers, need to have several goals in mind: we need to help students recognize when various strategies are appropriate and when to use them, and we need to help students become capable of inventing their own strategies and adapting existing strategies. In simplest terms, this means that we need to provide students with the skills they need to come up with their own ways to solve problems rather than telling them how they 'should' be solving the problems.

Summary and Synthesis

These first few weeks of class have made me look at the way I am going to teach math through a different viewpoint. I have learned that when teaching students how to problem solve teachers must almost take a step back and let the students teach themselves and each other. What I mean by this is that a teachers first inclination when teaching math is to show the students how to do a problem step by step and then have the students practice the skill taught. Instead what we as teachers need to do is to allow students to come up with their own ways to solve problems. By doing this students will be able to problem solve on their own without having to rely on a teacher on how they should solve problems. Also, when teaching problem solving, a teacher must allow students to discuss the routes that they took to solve the problem. Allowing students to discuss their routes with the rest of their classmates will show students that there isn't always just one way to solve a problem. I had never thought about allowing students to come up with their own way to solve a problem. I think that this is because as I went through primary and secondary schooling my teachers always used the method of showing me how to solve problems and then requiring me to practice those taught skills. However, from the class discussions these past few weeks it makes a lot more sense to me now to allow students to teach themselves different problem solving skills instead of repeating my problem solving skills.

Blog #3 Summary and synthesis

At this point of the year near the end of classes i have looked back over what we have done in class and what i am able to take away from the class and apply into my own future classroom. I believe the biggest piece of information i have gained and will use is not to teach students the regular procedural knowledge they are use to getting. Instead i want to do activities that lead them in the direction that the proceedural steps were developed to do. The students will then be able to see where the "steps" came from and why we do them and why the work. To me this offers kids the chance to understand math instead of just being able to do the tricks they have been taught. Even though i dont plan on teaching math i think this lesson is applicable to a lot of different subjects that i do plan on teaching.

Math LPU

Ali and I taught our LPU a few weeks ago and it was a very good experience. Ali and I prepared for a long time when putting this lesson together. We struggled with the overall concept and trying to figure out a way to teach it to the class. Once we figured out how to solve the problem using our method we were able to continue on with the actual lesson. Teaching in front of the class was completely different than we expected. Since we struggled with the concept as much as we did, we thought for sure that everyone else in the class would struggle but they did not. This made for teaching the lesson less diffcult than what we thought and had prepared for. If I were to teach the lesson again, I would make sure that I had many more challenging examples for the class.

Blog 3

Personal Concerns and Next Steps:

Teaching our LPU for the class was a huge eye opener. Brooke and I prepared for a long time to teach the lesson, practiced for multiple groups of people, and had a rough outline of what exactly we were going to do. However, standing in front of the class was a totally different story. Our presentation did not go exactly how we planned, but it was enough for us to understand exactly what reform based teaching is all about. Since I am not used to it, I felt awkward standing in front of the classroom waiting for my classmates to come up with solutions and answer my questions. It is definitely a different feel that takes lots of practice, experience, and time to master. I think more time to practice this type of teaching would be beneficial, but now I know what all goes into planning and preparing this type of lesson. I think I will practice designing curriculum using a majority of this type of teaching because it is obviously beneficial and in the long run, it saves a lot of time for students and leaves extra time to learn more and in depth material.

Blog 3

Summary and Synthesis

Since the previous blog and even throughout this entire course, I believe that I have learned a lot of valuable information. I also feel that I will be able to take what I am learning to help me to be a better math educator. I feel that I have seen approaches that I would have never been aware of without this class. The day that sticks out the most to me is the day that we watched the videos on Cognitively Guided Instruction. I used to view math to be so constructed and there is only specific ways to solving a problem. I loved how each of the videos showed how the students came up with their own solutions to problems. By allowing for students to solve problems in their own way gives them the opportunity to open their minds and use their own steps in solving. I also like how they showed the way they got to their answers. Everything was very visual and hands on and it also can help other students who are struggling so that maybe they can see a way that another student did something and they too will understand in that way. After seeing and learning about CGI I know that I will definitely be using it in my classroom and I know now how much it allows for children to grow in the understanding of mathematics.

Blog 3

I'm really glad that we're moving to talking about diverse learners, because like what was mentioned in class, our lesson plans have had "phony" modifications. We simply just make them up, and don't even know for sure whether it would actually work for a student in this situation. Even if we did find a modification for a child with a specific learning disability, it doesn't necessarily work for another child who might have the exact same disability. I'm really glad that between these two math classes we don't have to write a lot of lessons, we just develop a deeper understanding about how to do so. I really think that it is important to develop this way of thinking, because then we automatically start to think about these concepts on a deeper level.
I also think it's important to realize how we learn, visually, with manipulative, or whatever it may be, and also acknowledge all the other learning styles as well. This way, when we are formulating the concepts into lesson, and thinking about how we are teaching, we look at how everyone learns in the classroom, and not just a specific group.
When I reflect on this class, I realize how my thinking about mathematical concepts has changed, and I wonder why I never thought this way before. Why didn't my elementary teachers teach me this way? It makes more sense, and there is better understanding when kids learn this way. I really have a positive outlook on math, and if I were offered a job teaching math, I honestly would not hesitate to take it.

Summarize

I think that because the Elementary Classroom is becoming way more diverse than it has been in the past it is absolutely essential for Math teachers to use a method of teaching that will allow every single student the opportunity and support they need to learn math along with every other subject they are learning in school. I think that the content in this class, although at time frustrating, is worth learning and will be very beneficial in each of our future classrooms. I think that it is absolutely important that every single student feels like they can learn in their classroom. When students feel like they are given opportunities to learn and feel comfortable with the support they are given they will succeed not only in the classroom but also in other areas of their lives.

Summarize

It is very important to discuss the concept of teaching diverse learners because this population is increasing in our schools. Students are now being diagnosed more often than before with ADD, ADHD, etc. and these are the types of students that we will have to make modifications and implications in our lesson plans for so all students can be successful in the setting we provide. When i was in school i cannot recall any situations where my teachers made implications for other students in the classroom and i think that is why so many students were falling behind. If students are well trained on how to make implications to their lesson plans it will be beneficial for not only the students but the teachers as well. Personally, if i would of had teachers that would have meet my needs better i think i would have a better feeling about my education, in elementary school i was the girl that never wanted to go to school. It got so bad that my counselor had to come to my house and pick me up for school because i had no motivation to get up and go. I think if my teachers would have helped me more and would have made modifications, i could have understanded the material being taught and i wouldnt have had such negative feelings towards school. I know that as a teacher i will be accomodating to all students needs, it may be difficult but there are tools, professional development opportunities, and other teachers that can help you learn how to meet all students needs. Overall i enjoyed talking about this topic, i just wish we would get more opportunities to see students with problems/issues/ and struggles in the classroom so we would know how to implement all of the modifications we add to our lesson plans.

Blog 3

Now that we are moving into the topic of Diverse Learners, I am starting to see how CGI is a tool for reaching all learners. Similar to the fact that some students do not benefit to an inclusive environment, some students will still not benefit from the CGI method. However, it is a great way to provide students with access to multiple ways of approaching a problem and the opportunity to get insight into the student's thinking process for solving the problem. When working with Diverse Learners it is important to remember that they shouldn't be regarded in any different way than other students in your classroom. All students deserve your respect and 100% of your effort towards helping them achieve academic goals. It is also important to note that you should be working towards helping students achieve the same goals as other students with accommodations, rather than giving them simplified goals or modifications.

Blog 2 Summarize

After working with reformed based mathematics for a couple of weeks i am starting to get the hang of it and i am starting to feel like i critically think about math more than i did before. Previously to some of these classes i knew math problems and some of the basic reasons why they work but for the most part i never really cared to take a deeper look and really ask why it works. Writing the formulas for area of different shapes was interesting because we were able to look at a shape, define its constant properties, and from those properties devise a formula to find its area. From this deeper understanding of the material i now know why the formula is the way it is. I had a teacher in high school do the same thing with the quadratic formula by starting with a generic problem it would be used for and taking it step by step to reach the formula itself. All of these steps can be used to deepen the students understanding of why the math is the way it is.

Blog #1 Insight/Implacation

In the first couple of weeks in this class i have already started to view math education in a different way. I think having students develop and struggle with the concepts they are learning before just giving them the formulas that go along with them is a great idea. Students will learn faster and retain more knowledge if they have a deeper understanding of the material they are covering than compared to being given the formulas and told to use them because they work. Even though i don't plan on teaching math this idea can be translated into any other subject that i can teach. As a good teacher i have to make sure the students make the material their own and fully understand it instead of just memorizing, regurgitating, and forgeting it.

Blog 2

Going into this class i definitely had my worries and issues with Math and teaching Math. I always thought that I am horrible at Math so how the heck am I going to teach Math. After being in this class for the past two months I have gained a better understanding of reformed based teaching so that I can teach more effectively and efficiently. I think that I am starting to understand what it means to actually teach math rather than just teaching operations and formulas. I think that I have a better understanding of some math concepts since being in this class. I like the fact that we break things down into smaller parts so that we can understand each part before we work on the whole. It makes me feel like I really understand the content rather than just getting lucky or plugging numbers into formulas. And by really understanding it I will be able to better teach it in my future classroom.

Blog 2

Teaching reformed mathematics is legit. At first I was worried that my previous knowledge with formulas was going to get in the way of accommodating to this new approach but everyday I am getting a little more confident in understanding the materials. I now understand that learning mathematic formulas are only the tip of the iceburg; you must be able to experience the frustrations and attempts by trial and error individuals went through in order to achieve a formula. We went over some decent examples but I do agree with everyone else that we need more... and perhaps an opportunity to observe this style of instruction in a real classroom setting. Other then that my only concerns with teaching mathematics is the time it is going to take to develop a meaningful mathematics curriculum that is going to motivate the students on both intrinsic and extrinsic levels. This is going to have to be a collaborative effort among educators; exposing children at an early age so they can develop personal meaning and problem solving persistence with mathematics. This way we can defeat the number one statement with students in math class,
"I don't know how to do this."

Blog 2

While many aspects of this class are difficult because of the new and necessary way of thinking, I find it to be exciting all at the same time. It is refreshing to find myself in a classroom learning something I've never considered possible, yet seeing that it is not only possible, but incredibly vital. Professor Reins has driven his point home (in my mind) as to WHY classroom teachers need to present new knowledge to students in this way. The struggle I have up to this point is believing in myself, knowing that I struggle with this challenging subject, as well as believing that I am capable of teaching students in such a thorough and intellectual way. I will continue to do what I can in this class to successfully transform my thinking into that of a confident and prepared instructor - ready to change the way mathematics is presented. I believe in Reform Based Mathematics because I feel strongly that, had I been taught math in this way, I would be much more skilled, confident, and prepared to teach it to others.

Blog 2

So for in math concepts I have started to understand the importance of teaching mathematics through a different approach and I also understand the purpose of the material thus far. I do see the meaning and effectiveness of reformed-based teaching in mathematics, but I struggle with the application of this. Although we have observed this method and will have a chance to demonstrate with our own lessons I feel that we need more experiences seeing other teachers in the classroom setting apply this method to mathematics. The observing of Dr. Reins has helps me to see the importance of teaching the actual concept rather than teaching a formula with symbols and numbers that become more memorized than understood. But if I had one suggestion it would be more observation time in a mathematics classroom. I will say that at times the homework and class activities put me at a blank wall, where I just don’t know what to do. I feel that working with classmates on these assignments definitely helps and it is very beneficial because we learn from one another. I am excited and interested to see how the lessons go and can’t wait to prepare my own.

blog 2

Up to this point, I have found myself struggling to learn math with a new approach. I do see the meaning and effectiveness of the reform-based approach Dr. Reins has been using in class, however I find myself becoming frustrated quite frequently. I think it is extremely important that we are learning this new approach to teaching in order to make learning content, particularly math, important to our future students. In this math course I have learned new things about old concepts that I have been learning about throughout my education. Mainly, I have learned the focus and meaning behind many formulas, such as area. The part that becomes frustrating for me is learning a new method in a manner that becomes tedious, especially when I know the simple way to find the answer that is much shorter. I believe this frustration is from working backwards, had I been taught the meaning behind the formulas in the first place I feel this process would make much more sense to me know. With that being said, this helps me to see the importance of teaching the actual concept rather than teaching a formula with symbols and numbers that become more memorized than understood. Another frustration I have is not necessarily with this class, but with the education program at USD in general. I feel that I should have been taught how to teach this way from the beginning, rather than having this one class my senior year showing me this approach to teaching. I will try my hardest to teach this way in my classroom because I do see the importance, however I feel that other professors should be introducing this approach as well so that we, as future teachers, are more prepared and comfortable.

February Blog

I can understand all of the purposes of the material we have covered so far in this course. I just feel like now we need opportunities to apply what we have learned. I do wish we had more experiences where we obesrve a math classroom and see how these new methods of instruction that we are learnign about are being applied. The activities just seem frustating at times but that is only because I have never worked well with Geometry. However, I feel like these methods we learned in the past month make more sense to me than any of the 20-some formulas I have been taught in the past! I am interested to see how the lessons go an dhow difficult creating the lesson will be when the time comes closer. I agree with Ali R., more practice with this material is definately needed! If I had any suggestions, it would be to have more opportunities to observe and practice math instruction.