So this past Monday, we had our third math class of the year, and I've got to tell you...IT'S FUN! I know it sounds awful that I'm surprised by that, but I really didn't have the best experiences with math as a kid.
Moving forward...
This lesson focused on how to solve for problems using different methods.
We first had a presentation that included yummy Timbits and some group brainstorming. Luckily we were able to solve the problem (and eat some Timbits).
As an ice-breaker for the lesson, we tried the 24 Game (which I failed miserably at, yet still enjoyed). This game consists of numbers in four squares equaling the number 24. You are able to add, subtract, divide and multiply, but the result of the four numbers MUST end up to be 24. For a person who really hasn't used math/has avoided using math since grade 11, this got me thinking, and thinking fast. (Hence why I did actually enjoy it!)
After this, we moved on to some open-ended problem solving and playing with cubes. (Why couldn't math be this fun when I was in elementary school!?) We were split into groups and had to give a certain colour of cube a number value, representing behaviour demonstrated at a camp. (Psych 100, anyone...?) The best part of this activity was coming up with numbers, and explaining to other groups how and why we came up with them.
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| They had to put the Timbits right in front of me... |
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| If you include food in math, I will always learn |
We finished off the class by looking at different examples of how to add, subtract, multiply and divide different terms. And let me tell you...my mind was blown. I was always taught the traditional way how to solve problems, and never really considered that there were other ways of looking at things. But seriously, my mind was blown by how many ways there are to solve a problem. Where did some of these methods even come from!? Who thought of them!? (What would I have done if a student had approached me with the line method of multiplication, and I had never seen it before!?) After this lesson, I really began to see how math can be great; It just needs to be approached through many different ways that cater to many different students' learning styles.
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| My new multiplication method |
This lesson gave me hope. It gave me hope that I can be a good math teacher, that I will be able to help my students understand problems in ways they feel comfortable, and that if you can't get a problem...you just can't get it YET.
I'm looking forward to next week's lesson. I really can't wait to see what else is out there...
Until next time, Happy Math-ing!
Hi Erin,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are enjoying math class so much. I too have not had the best experiences with math as a child and I stopped taking math in grade eleven as well. I enjoyed playing the game 24 but at times, I found it frustrating when I could not get my final answer to reach 24. It bothered me so much when this happened. I too solve basic math operations with a traditional approach and it was really interesting to see some of the other methods used to add, subtract, multiply and divide. I had never even known that these other approaches existed.
-Cindy Gaspar
Hi Erin,
ReplyDeleteI was also amazed by all the different methods there are to solving the four basic operations. My favourite new method that we learnt was the "multiplying lines" method. I found this method very interactive and more easy to comprehend the basic nature of the concept of multiplication. I believe that I would use this method with future students in order to to make the concept of multiplication more engaging for students. Students will be able to visualize the question; making the concept more interactive for them. In addition, I believe that if I had known this concept, I would have used it in order to make solving multiplication questions in a simpler manner. Learning is about making concepts interactive and engaging for students; which is provided through this method.
Great Post!