A Review of class #5

Amanda Hatfield. Day 088/366 - March 28th. March. 28, 2008 [Online Image]

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Week 5 of my mathematics course has proven to be fun and engaging! We learned about a variety of integer and exponent activities through adapted educational games such as Jeopardy and Magic squares. Both activities are something that I would definitely use in my practicum and classroom.

With all of the neat activities and manipulatives that we have been introduced to, the question arises, "What strategies can you use to ensure that your students will not be dependent on math manipulatives?". Math manipulatives are a useful tool for introducing new concepts. With this being said, it is important for educators to understand how to introduce them properly, when to introduce them, as well as when and how to wean a child from the manipulative once the student is ready. Teachers can begin to wean students from the manipulatives by encouraging them to share what they have learned or to demonstrate their understanding in written or oral form. Also teacher should encourage students to solve mathematical problems without the use of manipulatives whenever possible. Also if a child is not immediately ready, this can be done in a gradual process, so as not to effect the student's desire to learn mathematics or overwhelm him/her. Teachers need to know how to balance abstract thinking with the use of math manipulatives and I believe that when a balance is reached then both approaches ultimately benefit each other.

Nemi8. Integer Number Line. (December 11, 2011) [Online Image]

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It is also important for teachers to ensure that their students develop a conceptual understanding of integers and exponents. Teachers can try using real life examples such as temperature changes, money and scoring in golf. Number lines and counters can be especially helpful when initially developing a conceptual understanding of integers and exponents, however this should gradually be weeded out as the students advance their learned knowledge.

Overall I believe in the use of manipulatives in the classroom and I believe they are beneficial when used properly.

Cheers until next week!

Ashley