This week one of our module videos was about the importance of seeing math as a series of connected methods rather than seeing them as isolated concepts. Studies have proven that students who see math as being connected are more successful than students who don’t.
The more we learn, the more I realize that this idea of connection goes far beyond connecting between math concepts. Students are not only more engaged when they can connect the methods but they are more engaged when they can connect processes with other students as well as problems with the real-world.
What we are learning is that absorbing information becomes easier when we have a previously understood piece of knowledge to attach it to.
Even beyond just math we as new teachers are learning the importance in finding connections between subjects (ie. teaching cross-curricular to provide students with familiarity and knowledge), and between teachers (sharing resources with teachers in the school, in the board or across the world to gain perspective).
I think the biggest takeaway is we are always stronger in numbers (math puns!). In all seriousness, making connections allows ideas to become more clear and perspectives to be expanded, it allows for deeper critical thought and an increase in questioning. All of which help students to strengthen their grasp on a topic and build confidence in their knowledge of the concept in question.
Who Doesn’t Love a Good Game?
Another great way to encourage engagement in math is through play! For next week’s class we were tasked with reading an article about the benefits of including play in mathematics. Studies have shown that first engaging students through television shows or blended activities encourages students to develop a deeper curiosity for math and therefore allow them to be more successful long term.
Often I think new teachers are scared of the idea of differentiation. Not because they are too lazy to do it or because they don’t want to but because if we are being honest, teaching is a lot of work. There’s the preparation of each unit and each task, there are assignments to mark and learning skills to keep an eye on. However, if we really stop to think about it, differentiation is really just getting to know the needs of our students. This is very much inclusive of understanding their interests and finding ways to incorporate them into our teaching. However, although this may seem scary, especially when we have 30-35 students to get to know, it is really very beneficial to us in the long run.
If we can find ways to differentiate for our students by including their likes and dislikes in our lessons and learning to thoroughly engage them in the concept being taught studies have shown that we are improving the likelihood of success for our students. The more we adapt to their needs and interests the more their curiosity will pique and the easier it will be to keep them engaged.
I like that you talked about the connections we learned about in our modules and that you highlighted how students can connect math with processes and with the real-world. Connections to the real-world make math so much more meaningful for students and helps to keep them engaged, ultimately leading to greater and deeper thinking. As a teacher our goal and responsibility is so create lessons that “stick” and with these connections (as well as resources and ideas we have been provided with) this is certainly possible. Great post!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Kate, I thought it was very acute (math pun!), I tried but I think your puns were much cuter. I agree that the modules for this week were great in illustrating the importance of connectedness. I also thought it was interesting to learn that the high-achieving students see math as a series of connected methods rather than seeing them as isolated concepts. I think it’s so important we as teachers keep making real-life connections by keeping math relevant. As you said this will help students strengthen their knowledge and build their confidence.
ReplyDeleteHi Kate,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that when students can connect to the material, it is a powerful and rewarding experience. That real-world application is key! I experienced difficulties with differentiating instruction and material during my first block experience in the area of Core French. It is an area of teaching that I need to continue working on during my next two teaching blocks. There is so much work involved in planning and creating a lesson!
Cindy