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Returning to Math

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.

Image result for breaking through wall
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 mistakes are necessary when learning. I also want to be sure to create an inclusive classroom where every students recognizes their opportunities to be successful and feel confident in themselves and their abilities.

The myth of math being for boys and the messages that are being interpreted to girls is important to recognize and to continue to debunk. We need to encourage girls and women that they too can partake in mathematics to build their knowledge to gain valuable experiences. As educators and as a society, we need to encourage girls to build and enrich their learning to ensure that an inclusive learning environment is created.

Breaking down barriers begins with teachers and it is up to us to ensure we are doing our duty in creating healthy, strong and confident students.


Comments

  1. Giuliana Capano11 September 2017 at 18:33

    Hi Ashley!

    I find it interesting you mention distance teaching in relation to our upcoming webinar assignment. I had not seen that as an opportunity to learn about and practice that! Thankyou for bringing that to my attention! I definitely look forward to learning more about how we can include distance teaching as differentiated learning in our future classrooms.

    Also, speaking of breaking through myths/stereotypes, the notion "practice makes progress" is powerful. I attended a seminar this summer where a pediatric doctor broke down the myth that "practice makes perfect." If students are always aiming for perfect (especially in a subject like mathematics) then they will feel discouraged if the desired outcome (perfection) is not produced. We need to remind our students that aiming for progress is a healthier mindset than aiming for total perfection. Mistakes are where the growth happens!

    Great post,

    Giuliana

    ReplyDelete

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