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A Review of Class #3



Hey ok yay?. Math (Online Image)
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Week three of mathematics class is proving to be very interesting. I'm especially enjoying my fellow classmates teaching short lessons for the class. They are doing a fabulous job and it is interesting to observe their varying teaching styles. It is also interesting to observe how technology can make a difference when presenting a lesson.


I'm feeling confident in this course and I am enjoying the reading and assignments. I am beginning to understand mathematics in a different way and recognizing that my potential students will all view math in different ways too.


I really enjoyed the Jo Boalers video on Brain Crossing. I found it interesting that drawing, visualizing and using symbols together in math is the most powerful way for math learning. I also like the example she provided regarding looking at numbers visually, fractions and algebra. I agree that visualizing numbers and drawing are essential aspects to mathematics, proving that math requires the use of both sides of the brain.
I find this true when dealing with graphs, geometry, etc. Colors and visuals help bring the numbers to life while making math more fun and appealing. This is something that I will be sure to apply once I begin my practice teaching.


Unfortunately, being as political as teaching can be, I have been unable to begin my placement with the Catholic school board. I am, however, focusing on how I can implement what I am learning in a real classroom. With this being said, I have begun my problem solving assignment and I am so fortunate to have two 12 year old twin nieces who have jumped at the opportunity of being my practice students. Overall the experience has been great and I am itching to get into a real classroom.


I asked my nieces if they liked math and they responded with the following answers "No not at all", and "Ya! Kinda but sometimes its hard". It felt good to encourage and teach them that it is not always about being right or wrong, its about understanding what the question is asking of them and understanding the process that will eventually lead them to the answer. Although my nieces are in the same grade, they have constantly been placed in separate classrooms since Grade 1. I noticed differences in their attitudes and approaches to the assignments and it lead me to recognize the difference the teacher truly makes on students' attitudes towards mathematics.


I have to admit that my perspective on math is changing. I am beginning to understand that the process is more important that the outcome, and that the process itself, is something to be enjoyed rather than feared. I'm looking forward to what the next week will bring.


Cheers!


Ashley




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