Metric System in Canada
Canadian Metric Association
Metrication Matters!
Moving on... This week was focused on the various algorithms available to you when completing addition, subtraction, and multiplication problems. We also explored differentiated models and manipulatives that can aid various learners when tackling these topics! I remember using number lines in school but the compensation and constant sum addition were SO useful! That is what I do in my head! Who knew someone had given it a name.. which we will never share with children... Note to self.
Constructing a multiplication array was mind blowing. It was so easy for me to understand, and it broke down multiplication to a simple and basic level. I'm pretty sure my jaw dropped in class when we did this exercise.
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| Quick meme. (Unknown date). Not Sure if Math Test Was Easy [Online Image]. Retrieved from http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3r7rz2. |
The best part about learning so many different methods is that you can check your work after you have completed a problem using one strategy. It also levels the playing field in the classroom. Each child can hopefully latch onto a different strategy that they comprehend.
As a class we discussed what makes a "good" Math problem. We decided on:
-It has a level playing field (wide base)
-It is relevant
-It can be expanded
-It is doable
-It is engaging
-There is more than one way to solve it
The problem must also be sensible to your students or apply to real life situations. I mean.. how many times have you seen a watermelon farmer?
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| Ifunny. (Unknown date). #Watermelon [Online Image]. Retrieved from https://ifunny.co/tags/watermelon/1441065677 |
This has encouraged me to adopt a growth mindset about my own capabilities, not only as a Math learner, but as a Math teacher! I can now take steps towards a way of teaching Math that I understand and can confidently participate in. My students will be able to experiment with a Math question, twisting, and turning it around until they find an algorithm that they actually understand not just a formula they are going to memorize??? Maybe they will even come up with their own formula?? That would be incredible!
What lurks for us in the shadows of division I wonder... I don't have to worry! Is it lame I'm kind of excited?
Sarah : it is NOT lame! I completely agree with you. I had to laugh at your example of the watermelon farmer because I really believe you've identified one of the key issues plaguing our math education system: lack of real-world applicability. Interestingly, I was working with 2 students on my math problem solving assignment, and as they were reading the questions, they would cross things out and add in words in the question to make it applicable to them, right in the middle of going through the problem! I thought this just further illustrated your point, and the point we repeatedly make in class, that we need to make math MEAN something to students if we're ever going to have a hope in changing their minds and hearts in math. I loved this post!
ReplyDeleteHey Sarah! Great blog you posted this week about algorithms…and I love the title! I can relate with a lot of what you talked about starting with the one dimensional style of learning. In math we learned how the teacher wanted us to learn and we solved problems in the direction the teacher wanted us too. We had the ability to use different manipulative's that we used the past few weeks but we weren’t able to really explore and be creative with our answers and problem solving strategies. I can relate with the mind being blown away, objects in an array helped me to break down and understand what would be a difficult problem into a simple step by step equation. At the end of the day it does not matter what type of algorithm we understand better it is allowing students to learn in the way they understand best. I especially like your last paragraph how you mentioned you will have a more encouraging mindset towards mathematics. I think it is important for us as future educators to start appreciating all the subjects not just the ones we are best in and learn how we can teach and allow for our students to come out with a positive outlook on all subjects including math!
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