Today was the first day of Math Institute. This math training is part of a project called Learning Mathematics for Teaching from the University of Michigan. The project investigates the mathematical knowledge needed for teaching, and how such knowledge develops as a result of experience and professional learning. The project does so through the writing, piloting, and analysis of problems that reflect real mathematics tasks teachers face in classrooms - for instance, assessing student work, representing numbers and operations, and explaining common mathematical rules or procedures.
The first task for us, taking a math test! Yikes, can you believe it? It's been a long time since I've taken an actual math test. I'm glad the tests were not graded. Some of the questions helped me realize that Math has changed a lot over the past few years.
Additionally, several of the speakers spoke about student success in all areas. Dr. Jones shared with us a few facts from a recent study conducted in California. Resilience research identified three principles that protect students from risk and help them succeed: caring adult (parent or teacher) relationship, high expectations, and opportunities for participation/contribution (students need to feel the work they are doing is worthwhile and meaningful). I am familiar with the first two and am in total agreement. Math workshop fits in nicely with the third principal. In Math Workshop, students are given real-world problems to solve using their mathematical knowledge. Students are asked to share how they arrived at their answers which gives them greater ownership for their learning.
Enough for now! I have to run, homework to do.
Until next time!
Mrs. R
