One thing that really stuck out to me this week was understanding the use of manipulative in mathematics and how to properly use them. Last year, I had my elementary math methods course. In that course, I was shown how math manipulatives and math investigation can be such as asset into your classroom. I was so intrigued by this new method, because it made sense and helped me relearn some basics in math. When I was in elementary school we were told how to add numbers then we just practiced, practiced, practiced, but was never told or shown why we have to regroup numbers when they add up to be higher than 9, that was just the rule. My math methods teacher showed us how this technique worked and made math a more enjoyable experience for the students.
When I began my student teaching, I heard most teachers had doubts about the math investigation. I was interested to see how it would really work and if I could do all the amazing things I learned about in my methods course. Well, I learned once again you will never be great at something your first time. Experienced teachers make it look so easy, but it is an extremely difficult task.
Teaching math has been quite a journey this year. I feel it is my weakest point, because I want to make it fun, but they students do need guidance. In my methods course, it was very student based rather than teacher based. It looked so easy and made sense, but being in an actual classroom it is a tough task.
One of the main difficulties I have had was to give students mainpulatives to keep them involved in the lesson and to allow me to see their understanding of the skill. I have talked with my teacher and reflected after a few math lessons and said, “Man, I should have pulled out the mainpualtives so they could be practicing at their seats”. The thing that worries me about the manipulatives though is making sure the students are using them to better their understanding of the task, not just playing with them and not paying attention. This is something I need to practice and work on to make sure my students are getting the true investigation experience, but it is hard because sometimes you feel like your leaving your students in the dark, or they don’t understand so they don’t pay attention. There is a lot to look for while you are teaching math investigation to make sure it runs smoothly and I found I still need A LOT of practice to get full success from my students and my self.
Lauren, you are doing a fine job with the math. Manipulatives are great...its just keeping the students quiet when need be and knowing when and how to use the manipulatives. You are right, a lot of kids just want to play...let them explore the first 10 minutes and then get down to the nitty gritty!!!!
One thing that really stuck out to me this week was understanding the use of manipulative in mathematics and how to properly use them. Last year, I had my elementary math methods course. In that course, I was shown how math manipulatives and math investigation can be such as asset into your classroom. I was so intrigued by this new method, because it made sense and helped me relearn some basics in math. When I was in elementary school we were told how to add numbers then we just practiced, practiced, practiced, but was never told or shown why we have to regroup numbers when they add up to be higher than 9, that was just the rule. My math methods teacher showed us how this technique worked and made math a more enjoyable experience for the students.
ReplyDeleteWhen I began my student teaching, I heard most teachers had doubts about the math investigation. I was interested to see how it would really work and if I could do all the amazing things I learned about in my methods course. Well, I learned once again you will never be great at something your first time. Experienced teachers make it look so easy, but it is an extremely difficult task.
Teaching math has been quite a journey this year. I feel it is my weakest point, because I want to make it fun, but they students do need guidance. In my methods course, it was very student based rather than teacher based. It looked so easy and made sense, but being in an actual classroom it is a tough task.
One of the main difficulties I have had was to give students mainpulatives to keep them involved in the lesson and to allow me to see their understanding of the skill. I have talked with my teacher and reflected after a few math lessons and said, “Man, I should have pulled out the mainpualtives so they could be practicing at their seats”. The thing that worries me about the manipulatives though is making sure the students are using them to better their understanding of the task, not just playing with them and not paying attention. This is something I need to practice and work on to make sure my students are getting the true investigation experience, but it is hard because sometimes you feel like your leaving your students in the dark, or they don’t understand so they don’t pay attention. There is a lot to look for while you are teaching math investigation to make sure it runs smoothly and I found I still need A LOT of practice to get full success from my students and my self.
Lauren, you are doing a fine job with the math. Manipulatives are great...its just keeping the students quiet when need be and knowing when and how to use the manipulatives. You are right, a lot of kids just want to play...let them explore the first 10 minutes and then get down to the nitty gritty!!!!
ReplyDelete