no more math class

Well, this is the end, Math class has come to an end yet I feel I have only unlocked a fraction of my knowledge (see what I did there). What I mean by this is that I am looking to gain more knowledge through my experiences as teacher. So far, I have learned so many new techniques that I can translate into my class. I can’t stress enough the ability to differentiate instruction and adapt to your students. Unfortunately, a lot of teachers still follow their old-fashioned ways. Just this week I was discussing a situation that happened with a student my associate teacher knows. The teacher, of 20-30 years refused to allow a student to use scrap paper on a multiple choice advanced functions test.  The student was better at written response and preferred to write out the answers. However, the teacher denied the use of paper and the student struggled. I personally do not think that is fair at all, and could not think of a reason for that rule.

This week I did a micro lesson on integers. I did not realize how much physical manipulatives helped until I had the opportunity to use them with my students. Using the counters (red for positive and blue for negative) in my lesson the students really started to understand equations with different signs and the same signs. For the visual learners, I used a basket being weighed down by weights but floating because of balloons, showing the zero principle.

I appreciate all of the cool lessons and teaching techniques that were presented in the class. I did not like the amount of blog posts but I guess you won’t like it all. Having small lesson presentations at the end of each class was really helpful. It opened up a lot of opportunities for discussion and differentiation as we are able to see both the ways different people teach and the ways different people learn. It also gave us the opportunity to be the instructor which is something more classes should do. As the instructor, we have to create a lesson plan and activity that is inclusive and adaptive. Then we have a chance to gain experience in charge of the class. Today was my assessment and I mean it when I say the more time we have at a front of the class before assessment the better. I was nervous beyond belief.

When it comes down to it, Math was a class that had a limitless learning environment. It did not matter what the topic or stand was, even if I thought I knew everything about the topic, there was still something I learned everyday. I often looked forward to this class because it was something that helped me with my placement. Math is a tough subject, both to learn and teach, and this class broke everything down to make it easier for us as educators to help our students understand math. From now on, my students will never say they hate math again.

via GIPHY