This is how I viewed math. I was one of the 5 of the 4 who believed I can't do math. But reading the text just changed my views and this is how I would like to view math now.
There are six principles fundamental to a quality mathematics
education. They are Equity, Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, Assessment and
Technology.
-Equity
principle is about setting high expectations for all students.
-A curriculum
needs to be coherent and focused on important mathematics.
-The teacher
plays a very important role in bringing enjoyable math experiences into the
classroom. To provide a high quality education, teachers need to understand the
math contents they are teaching, know the learning styles of the individual
students and select meaningful tasks that will enhance learning.
-Learning is
enhanced when students are allowed to evaluate their own ideas as well as their
peers’ ideas. This helps them develop their reasoning and sense making skills.
-Ongoing
assessments help students to articulate and clarify their ideas. Assessments
also help teachers to understand their students’ growth and they can make
better decisions to support the student learning.
-Technology
like calculators and computers enhance the learning of math by allowing for
exploration, representation and communication. I fully agree with this
principle as once I had done a math quiz through a powerpoint presentation.
Children enjoyed the quiz and my colleagues also decided to try incorporating
technology into their classroom.
There are about five process standards
which students need to acquire and use as mathematical knowledge. The five
processes are problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections
and representation.
Also there are 6 major components that are important
to allow students to develop mathematical understanding. These components
include:-
* Creating an
environment that offers all students an equal opportunity to learn
* Focusing on a balance
of conceptual understanding and procedural fluency
* Ensuring active
student engagement in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
(NCTM)process
standards (problem solving, reasoning, communication, connections
and representation)
* Using technology to
enhance understanding
* Incorporating
multiple assessments aligned with instructional goals and mathematical
practices
* Helping students
recognize the power of sound reasoning and mathematical integrity
So how do we each math?
o
Build new knowledge from prior
knowledge
o
Provide opportunities to talk about
math
o
Build opportunities for reflective thought
o
Encourage multiple approaches
o
Engage students in productive
struggle
o
Treat errors as opportunities for
learning
o
Scaffold new content
o
Honor diversity
As Einstein says,
SO,
