Mathematics For Emerging Teachers

My focus this week has been on representing mathematics in various ways. Allowing for a variety of  of representations of mathematical understanding (ie. pictoral, concrete, numerical, and algebraic) is essential when designing lessons to allow for differentiated instruction. Information presented through symbols of pictures is called pictoral representations of data. The pictures of objects are used to represent different information. An example of this would be the use of pictographs to represent data in a visual way. Strategies for Teaching Elementary Mathematics. Concrete and Abstract Representations. Retrieved from: http://bit.ly/2yuFtNq  A great tech tool that uses pictoral representations of mathematical data can be found at the website  Math Playground . Many games require the use of pictoral representations to solve problems. This is a method to integrate technology into mathematics while creating fun and engaging learning opportuniti...

This week in math we discussed the importance of providing students with rich tasks rooted in mathematics. A rich task encourages students to think creatively, work logically, communicate ideas, synthesize their results, analyze different viewpoints, look for commonalities and evaluate findings. San Jose Library. Group Work on Cards. July.1,2009. Retrieved from: http://bit.ly/2woSSlZ  For a task to be rich it must be engaging in the sense that it has the potential to engage students in mathematical thinking. It must also have a meaningful mathematical focus that connects to the mathematics curriculum, process and content expectations.  It is important to challenge students meaningfully through problem solving. A rich task will be grounded in problem solving and will encourage students to reason his/her way to new understanding. The student would accomplish this by using multiple math processes while the instructor would allow ample time for explanation, justi...

This week in mathematics we focused on the gratification of mathematics as well as understanding how to approach various types of learners in the classroom. JoanDragonfly. Venn Diagram of 3 Learning Styles. June.8,2017. Retrieved from: http://bit.ly/2y2gQrz  I had fun trying various tests that helped me to identify what type of learner that I am and surprisingly I have discovered that I am equally an audio and visual learner. I think it is imperative that instructors design their lessons, delivery, and classroom environment to enrich and engage various types of learners (ie. kinesthetic, visual, and audio).  I think it is important that we encourage students to understand how they learn best whether it be auditorally, visually, or kinestheically. With this being said, I also think that educators shouldn't encourage students to label themselves. When someone labels themselves as a certain type of learner, I believe that students may internalize that definition ...

This week in mathematics I have learned and applied my newfound growth mindset. I countered my fixed way of thinking with positivism, telling myself that if I apply myself and use my conceptual knowledge, I too can prevail in math. City Year New York. Growth Mindset. Feb.16,2016. Sourced from: http://bit.ly/2ffB0GL  When the professor attempted to explain the card trick in a mathematical formula, my mind reverted to a fixed way of thinking. My initial reaction was that I couldn't do it and I began to "check out" of the demonstration so to speak. Being a reflective practitioner and student, I realized that I needed to have more confidence in myself and my abilities. I will honestly say that it took some time for me to understand how the formula was rewritten (ie. algebraically). I did eventually come to an understanding and I think that it is evidence that my mindset is changing. As educators we must model attitudes and behaviors for our students. If we model a ...

The month of September has begun. Leaves change color, school is back in session, and so the learning begins. One component of mathematics education that I am particularly interested in learning more about is distance teaching. I am excited learn how to effectively and professionally deliver webinars, as this may be a viable solution for potential employment. I also see the potential for using webinars in my classroom as a innovative tool to introduce my students to guest speakers and demonstrations from a distance. I feel that this provides an excellent opportunity to enrich student learning while potentially making lesson more fun and engaging. dmattriccino. Writers Digest. March 5. 2010 Sourced from; http://bit.ly/2wYXmCz I've also learned the importance of breaking through stereotypes that children and adults have built regarding their potential and abilities in mathematics. I will encourage my students to remember that "practice makes progress" and that mi...

Today I am going to discuss my journey through this course and the valuable skills I have learned in terms of teaching mathematics. I would like to start off by saying how much I appreciate the guidance and help of Professor Bunz. She has been instrumental in helping our class discover how fun teaching math can be, something that every student of mine will appreciate in the future. I have learned to make math meaningful to my students. To make it relatable, engaging and fun whenever possible. I understand that not every math class is going to be super fun, however, I think that there needs to be a balance between textbook work and engaging activities/games. I have learned to teach my students to recognize that math is an essential and integral part of our everyday lives. Demonstrating this will serve to enhance their conceptual understanding of mathematics in all strands. I have also realized that it is important to understand where my students might be confused with mathematical c...