Reflections Chapter 2

Reflection on Chapter 2

Reading chapter 2,  gives an insight into how children are seeming to learn Mathematics. My concerns reflected in Chapter 1 had the answers in Chapter 2. These are a few pointers in my learning from this chapter. The first most important thing to set right from the beginning is the environment - a risk taking environment. Instead of a classroom whereby they always answer given worksheets and complete plus and minus quizzes, higher-level thinking activities should be the main part of a Mathematics classroom. Self discovery will lead to mastery of the subject.

As I mentioned about the importance of the teacher in a Mathematics classroom in Chapter 1’s reflection, in this Chapter it is also emphasised-’When a teacher succeeds in setting up a classroom in which students feel obligated to listen to one another, to make their own contributions clear and comprehensible ,and to provide evidence for their claims, that teacher has set in place a powerful context for student learning.’

Understanding theories and their role in learning Mathematics will help us to identify the areas that require more assimilating and accommodating.  Children can be given encouragement and guidance to overcome their problems by providing opportunities to talk about Mathematics and reflecting on their thoughts, encourage multiple approaches, treat errors as learning opportunities, scaffold new content and by honoring diversity.

To attain proficiency in mathematics, the 5 strands –conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, productive disposition strategic competence and adaptive reasoning are essential. In order for a student to develop these attitudes and behaviours, it must be supported with multiple representations to build relational understanding.  Using various models to support the relational understanding is very vital in learning Mathematics. 

Up till now, the importance of connecting the dots is made clear, however the ‘connector’ is the most important factor – THE TEACHER.

Reflections Chapter 1

Reflection on Chapter 1

After reading Chapter 1, there were 3 areas that I was interested to explore and learn more about.  They were the 5 content standards, 5 process standards and the topic on becoming a teacher of Mathematics.

It is stated on Page 4 that the 5 process standards problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections and representation should not be regarded as separate content and seen as integral components of all mathematics learning and teaching.

It was interesting to read the 5 content standards that the authors had selected to use across all grades in the book as it made it easier for me to see how each content built onto each other at different grade.  I was able to see the level of difficulty growing in each of the contents when I glanced through Chapters 8 to 23. Previously  when I was a teacher, I used to receive different topics(content) for different levels.  Every content will end at that level itself.  It would not be easy building the different contents into different grades as it would require a very skilful curriculum planner and a teacher who loves maths to be able to do that.

I have always found it hard to be a positive Math teacher. I fared only moderately in Math papers ever since Secondary school.  Till now, I find it tough to teach concepts especially to those who are weak. Coming out with different strategies to teach and help children understand the basic foundation has been a mindboggling issue for me. Reading the section on attitudes of a Math teacher gave me an understanding on how i should be setting my mind first before I can carry on teaching Math comfortably. The section on Positive attitude affected me the most as that reflected why I am this way now. I hope i will move out of that zone by the end of the module. So hope to read more into Chapters 8 to 23 and learn more tips on teaching the content topics.

Introduction of mala BSC 05

Hi Mr Yeap

My name is Mala. In records it is known as Sounderajoo Malarveley.  I am  looking forward toyour class as I have heard about your books.It is interesting to learn that I am given the oppportunity to learn from you. Hope my Math improves after your classes too.  Ha Ha ! Have a great week. 

To keep you informed and to seek your support. I will have to leave for Batam to conduct and attend a training from 31 August to 2 September for my company.  It is a plan by my organisation and it was scheduled as such as my last day of class previously was not to be on the 31 August.  Now with the changes due to the election, I will not be able to attend the last session on 31 August. My concern is about the final assignment and I hope that I will be able to seek your understanding in this matter and let me know on what kind of documents I need to submit in order to be excused from class.

Thank you
Mala