I was slightly caught off guard by the fact that our student seems to have a positive view on math. I was honestly expecting a student at such a young age to be somewhat against math. However, our student enjoyed math and understood that the subject can be applied outside the four walls of the classroom. The student is an extremely focused student making it easy for her to shut out distractions in the class. It is important to remember that the student we interviewed is only entering her second year of secondary school math, so thus far she has only be exposed to one high school level math teacher.
I was extremely impressed with our student’s enthusiasm about math, and she seems like a student that you would enjoy teaching. She enjoys learning through the traditional lecture style of teaching as she can take home her notes to reflect on. As teachers we need to realize that not all students will learn best like this, and it is important to work with students in a way where all can be successful. Our student is able to see the connection with math in everyday life, and told us that she uses math outside the class for example when shopping or cooking. I think that this interview showed us that students do not necessarily come into your class with a dislike for math but may develop it through poor experiences in the class.
We ended up interviewing two teachers but there were some distinct similarities and differences in the answers provided by both. I found it interesting that both teachers told us that they primarily lecture, but do attempt to use other collaborative methods for the students. However, you could tell that one of the teachers felt slightly limited at times due to provincial testing but noted that this is changing because the provincial exam is now optional. I would have seem myself in a similar position in that I would have felt as though I had to teach to the test and did not want to jeopardize a student’s future. I think it is important to be inclusive to all students and both teachers understood the questions in different ways but both answers in my opinion need to be included. We must include the students with special needs and also include all students in general.
When assessing students both teachers mentioned tests and homework, but one left it at that while the other mentioned group work and other assessment tools. I think it is important that we use a wide variety of teaching styles, as not everyone will excel on a test where u get one chance. Furthermore, one teacher mentioned that at teams we as teachers need to be the student, I think this is important in that it will make students more comfortable and help us grow as teachers. When looking at the difficulties in teaching math we need to realize that at times it might be difficult to teach math and also at times it’s going to be hard on the students to relate concepts. It is important that we engage the class with fresh teaching methods; we don’t want students getting bored in class because all they do is expect the same thing to happen in every class. We also need to realize that students will have questions and I was told that a typical on is “when are we going to use this?", and that the way we answer this question will tell the students a lot about what we think of the material. So I think it is important that we have a passion for the subject and more so a passion for teaching all of our students.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Another Teacher Response
I also sent out our questions to another teacher, this teacher is a male math teacher in Surrey.
What kind of teaching style do you use?
I primarily use lecture type, especially with senior classes 10-12, however, with the junior classes you have more flexibility to do collaborative learning. In grade 10 and grade 12, I must prepare the student for the provinical exam, however, with the grade 12 exam now optional, I believe that there are various other activities I can promote within the classroom to elaborate on the curriculum.
What do you do to ensure that your classroom is an inclusive one?
Select different students to answer questions, use the entire classroom so that no one feels left out, students help create evaluation scheme for semester/term
If you lose control of a class how do you regain control?
I believe that the your first interaction determines how you manage a classroom. It is within your first interactions with students that you must present your expectations and outline any rules, policies and procedures that you have for them. And then be consistent.
How do you assess your students and in which ways?
Tests, quizzes, homework checks, group assignments, student teaching (get them to illustrate how they do problems on the board - you become a student)
What is the most challenging part of teaching math?
To relate how Math connects with realworld situations. You need to be prepared to deal with the question "when are we going to use this?" How you decide to answer this question, informs the students about your passion for the subject matter.
What kind of teaching style do you use?
I primarily use lecture type, especially with senior classes 10-12, however, with the junior classes you have more flexibility to do collaborative learning. In grade 10 and grade 12, I must prepare the student for the provinical exam, however, with the grade 12 exam now optional, I believe that there are various other activities I can promote within the classroom to elaborate on the curriculum.
What do you do to ensure that your classroom is an inclusive one?
Select different students to answer questions, use the entire classroom so that no one feels left out, students help create evaluation scheme for semester/term
If you lose control of a class how do you regain control?
I believe that the your first interaction determines how you manage a classroom. It is within your first interactions with students that you must present your expectations and outline any rules, policies and procedures that you have for them. And then be consistent.
How do you assess your students and in which ways?
Tests, quizzes, homework checks, group assignments, student teaching (get them to illustrate how they do problems on the board - you become a student)
What is the most challenging part of teaching math?
To relate how Math connects with realworld situations. You need to be prepared to deal with the question "when are we going to use this?" How you decide to answer this question, informs the students about your passion for the subject matter.
Summary of Student/Teacher Questions
STUDENT:
The student our group interviewed has just started her second year in high school, located in Victoria, BC. She has recently started a job and recognizes that the math skills that she has learned in the classroom carry over into every day tasks. When dealing with money she uses her knowledge of decimals, percents, fractions, etc. She is aware when her basic math skills are used in every day situations. Because of this, the student knows that learning math skills in school is important for everyone, regardless of how far they extend their math education. Although she can find math frustrating when new concepts are introduced, she is the type of student that persists and asks questions until she is comfortable with the material. The fact that she enjoys math class helps her work towards a better understanding. We have discusses many forms of teaching and learning for the students in a classroom but this student prefers reflecting on her notes at the end of the day. She feels it important to have a hard copy of what the important concepts were that she learned that day. She realizes that auditory learning is not always for her, so she accommodates by organizing her notes. She is very focused in the classroom and doesn’t let her surroundings distract her. This is useful for her learning style as she relies on her memory to help her connect concepts taught from class to class.
TEACHER:
1) What kind of teaching style do you follow?
I lecture the basics and until the required lesson has been taught, but then I initiate group work, projects, collaboration, peer-peer helping. I try to get the kids as hands-on as possible. I taught shop class for a long time, and you don't learn how to make something by watching, so they have to actually practice. they have to ask questions and think critically, which doesn't happen as often in a lecture-based environment.
2) What do you do to ensure that your classroom is an inclusive one?
It’s important to read files that accompany students with special needs. The first step is to understand your students and figure out how they are going to learn best. Then it's just a matter of facilitating an environment that is conducive to those needs. Utilize support works - that's what they're there for. And obviously, be an example; be accepting of all races, sexualities, cultures. It comes down to the golden rule, treat others as you'd want to be treated.
3) How do you regain control of a class after you've lost control?
Establish authority among your students from day one. Create a respectful environment; respect your students and students will usually reciprocate that respect. Deal with difficult kids one to one as much as possible, rather than singling them out among their classmates, which can escalate a situation. Physically move over to a loud area; you don't even have to say anything a lot of the time.
4) How do you assess students and in which ways?
Mathematics is different from a lot of other subject areas. There isn’t much room for points with creativity, inventiveness, or effort; the students have to know what is taught in the curriculum. 90% of the grade in my math class is from written examinations, and only 10% comes from homework. It sounds unreasonable to some, but I think its good preparation for university, where you have 50% finals. We have lots of quizzes thrown in, so all the weight isn't on their end exam.
5) What is the most challenging part of teaching math?
Keeping the subject fresh and interesting and relevant is important. It’s so easy to be lazy and stand up in front of the class and lecture straight out of the text. But in order to challenge students of all abilities, you have to make the classroom a community in such a way that if a few people are failing, the whole group is weaker for it. You have to get everyone involved and active, which takes a lot of effort.
The student our group interviewed has just started her second year in high school, located in Victoria, BC. She has recently started a job and recognizes that the math skills that she has learned in the classroom carry over into every day tasks. When dealing with money she uses her knowledge of decimals, percents, fractions, etc. She is aware when her basic math skills are used in every day situations. Because of this, the student knows that learning math skills in school is important for everyone, regardless of how far they extend their math education. Although she can find math frustrating when new concepts are introduced, she is the type of student that persists and asks questions until she is comfortable with the material. The fact that she enjoys math class helps her work towards a better understanding. We have discusses many forms of teaching and learning for the students in a classroom but this student prefers reflecting on her notes at the end of the day. She feels it important to have a hard copy of what the important concepts were that she learned that day. She realizes that auditory learning is not always for her, so she accommodates by organizing her notes. She is very focused in the classroom and doesn’t let her surroundings distract her. This is useful for her learning style as she relies on her memory to help her connect concepts taught from class to class.
TEACHER:
1) What kind of teaching style do you follow?
I lecture the basics and until the required lesson has been taught, but then I initiate group work, projects, collaboration, peer-peer helping. I try to get the kids as hands-on as possible. I taught shop class for a long time, and you don't learn how to make something by watching, so they have to actually practice. they have to ask questions and think critically, which doesn't happen as often in a lecture-based environment.
2) What do you do to ensure that your classroom is an inclusive one?
It’s important to read files that accompany students with special needs. The first step is to understand your students and figure out how they are going to learn best. Then it's just a matter of facilitating an environment that is conducive to those needs. Utilize support works - that's what they're there for. And obviously, be an example; be accepting of all races, sexualities, cultures. It comes down to the golden rule, treat others as you'd want to be treated.
3) How do you regain control of a class after you've lost control?
Establish authority among your students from day one. Create a respectful environment; respect your students and students will usually reciprocate that respect. Deal with difficult kids one to one as much as possible, rather than singling them out among their classmates, which can escalate a situation. Physically move over to a loud area; you don't even have to say anything a lot of the time.
4) How do you assess students and in which ways?
Mathematics is different from a lot of other subject areas. There isn’t much room for points with creativity, inventiveness, or effort; the students have to know what is taught in the curriculum. 90% of the grade in my math class is from written examinations, and only 10% comes from homework. It sounds unreasonable to some, but I think its good preparation for university, where you have 50% finals. We have lots of quizzes thrown in, so all the weight isn't on their end exam.
5) What is the most challenging part of teaching math?
Keeping the subject fresh and interesting and relevant is important. It’s so easy to be lazy and stand up in front of the class and lecture straight out of the text. But in order to challenge students of all abilities, you have to make the classroom a community in such a way that if a few people are failing, the whole group is weaker for it. You have to get everyone involved and active, which takes a lot of effort.
Monday, September 22, 2008
TPI Results and Reflection
Gary Atwal here are your TPI scores:
Transmission total: (Tr) 31.00B=11; I=10; A=10
Apprenticeship total: (Ap) 36.00B=11; I=13; A=12
Developmental total: (Dv) 35.00B=10; I=13; A=12
Nurturance total: (Nu) 38.00B=13; I=14; A=11
Social Reform total: (SR) 30.00B=11; I=9; A=10
Beliefs total: (B) 56.00
Intention total: (I) 59.00
Action total: (A) 55.00
Mean: (M) 34.00
Standard Deviation: (SD) 3.03
HiT: (HiT) 37.00
LoT: (LoT) 31.00
Overall Total: (T) 170.00
For this test I scored high in the nurturance, apprenticeship and developmental categories. I agree with the findings because I believe this is the type of teacher I strive to be. Having had experience in Human Kinetics which is part of the Faculty of Education, I have been learning about safe environments and inclusive teaching. I want to be able to provide both of those for my students. I think that this test shows my intentions as a teacher, and I feel that the scores are somewhat accurate.
Transmission total: (Tr) 31.00B=11; I=10; A=10
Apprenticeship total: (Ap) 36.00B=11; I=13; A=12
Developmental total: (Dv) 35.00B=10; I=13; A=12
Nurturance total: (Nu) 38.00B=13; I=14; A=11
Social Reform total: (SR) 30.00B=11; I=9; A=10
Beliefs total: (B) 56.00
Intention total: (I) 59.00
Action total: (A) 55.00
Mean: (M) 34.00
Standard Deviation: (SD) 3.03
HiT: (HiT) 37.00
LoT: (LoT) 31.00
Overall Total: (T) 170.00
For this test I scored high in the nurturance, apprenticeship and developmental categories. I agree with the findings because I believe this is the type of teacher I strive to be. Having had experience in Human Kinetics which is part of the Faculty of Education, I have been learning about safe environments and inclusive teaching. I want to be able to provide both of those for my students. I think that this test shows my intentions as a teacher, and I feel that the scores are somewhat accurate.
Assignment 1 - Questions
5 Questions for Student:
- Can you apply what you learn in math outside the classroom?
- Why do you think we need math?
- Is there anything about math that intimidates you?
- What is you preferred learning style?
- What do you remember most about math class?
5 Questions for Teacher:
- What kind of teaching style do you use?
- What do you do to ensure that your classroom is an inclusive one?
- If you lose control of a class how do you regain control?
- How do you assess your students and in which ways?
- What is the most challenging part of teaching math?
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