Mathematics For Emerging Teachers

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...

Data Management and Probability Data management and probability is in my opinion a critical strand of mathematics for students to learn. It is crucial because it helps to prepare our students for daily life by providing them with the necessary tools to collect, organize and analyze information that is all around them. Polls, trends and estimates are only a few examples of how data management is used in real life situations. Data management and probability can also be understood and recognized in various other subject areas such as social studied, health and physical education as well as science. IFVP. Graphic Recording Data Management. Oct. 8, 2013. [Online Image] Sourced from: http://bit.ly/2fKbYdG  In order to insure that students have a strong conceptual understanding of data management and probability, it is important to tier instruction in a way that offers students opportunities to engage deeply with mathematical concepts and relationships. Teaching in tier...

Measurement J Jay. Architect Tools. March 20. 2006. [Online Image] Sourced from: http://bit.ly/2g2bCAK For this week's online session, as a class we focused on the mathematical concept of measurement with specific emphasis on teaching area and length. The presentations by both of my classmates were fun and taught the concepts well. I especially enjoyed the creative and hands-on nature of the activities. I liked how Casey had the class measure their hands by tracing them on grid paper with 1/4 centimeter proportions. I also enjoyed Kursten's activity in which she connected magazine pictures with the definition and comparison stage of area which is crucial for understand when learning the concept of area. The reading that was assigned for his week also does a great job of making mathematical activities practical for students with activities suggested such as using a computer program to create two different rectangles that look similar, and then printing them for furthe...

Geometry and Spatial Sense Page Thompson. Play. Nov. 16, 2013 [Online Image] Sourced from: http://bit.ly/2fwgmxA This week as a class we focused on geometry and spatial sense. I presented an activity this week introducing the class to pattern block puzzles and how they teach important mathematical curriculum objectives in a fun and engaging way. With four levels of puzzles, there are pattern block puzzles that can meet the needs of various students in a class (differentiated instruction). This type of activity helps students to identify different types of polygons and quadrilaterals, while teaching them to identify line(s) of symmetry in an overall shape. A teacher could also ask a student to classify and discuss shapes based on their angles or benchmark angles (right angles, obtuse angles, and straight angles). Ultimately this activity can be adapted and presented to students in a multitude of ways to address various learning goals and curriculum objectives. ...

Jez. Hello. Oct.9, 2011 [Online Image] Sourced from: http://bit.ly/2eXULgU  When I think about learning mathematics as a student, I think about the challenges that I faced and the difficulties that I encountered along the way. When it comes to learning math, English Language Learner (ELLs) have even more unique challenges that they have to work through. As a teacher, I want to understand and create an inclusive environment that recognizes these challenges while working towards creating a level playing field for ELL students. One way that I could help students is by using a vocabulary bank. Having a chart or document that contains the key math vocabulary and phrases in the lesson functions as a helpful resource for ELL students when discussing or writing their mathematical thoughts and processes. Even providing illustrations can be of great benefit.  Manipulatives are great because they help make math comprehensible. It provides students with the oppo...

In week six we cooked up some mathematical fun when being introduced to activities that help to teach Rate, Ratio and Proportion. One presenter made recipe cards for the class, and then instructed us to double and triple the recipe. The recipes she introduced were fun, and something that students could realistically make at home. I also liked how this doubled as a practical example of how ratio and proportion are used in our everyday lives. Robert Brazile. Food is Love? Feb. 15, 2014. [Online Image] Sourced from: http://bit.ly/2eMSpUK  This is definitely an example that I would use in my class. As a teacher, I could ask my students to find a recipe at home and double, triple or quadruple the recipe. Another fun spin on this activity would be to actually cook a recipe. This could be cold baking (no cooking required) or cooked if desired. This doubles as a fun and yummy reward that highlights the everyday uses of mathematics.  This then leads me to the ...

Amanda Hatfield. Day 088/366 - March 28th. March. 28, 2008 [Online Image] Sourced from: http://bit.ly/2exs0qj   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 encour...