Day 1 : Maths is Core to Learning
The first cohort for Mathematics Practice Intensive launched today! We had a very full day learning about how maths is core to learning and getting a good understanding of where we are headed in this professional learning adventure.
We began our day with introductions and learning a little bit about each other. Due to the fact that it is a Manaiakalani initiative and I am in my fifth year of teaching in a Manaiakalani school, some of the names and faces were familiar. Dorothy shared some of Manaiakalani's Kaupapa and Shared Pedagogy, which is always a good reminder of where this all started and how lucky we are to be on this journey together. Something that has stuck with me from this is the fact that we need to get these students learning, we need to find out how to do this in the best possible way and we need to do it now.
Unless we focus on making connections, “students may view their learning of maths as the accumulation of unrelated and discrete ideas.” (Project Math).
So essentially we need to be helping students make connections between not only maths topics and concepts but also between maths and other curriculum areas, and maths and everyday life. (This reading also included some really simple ways to make connections.)
Kia ora Michelle,
ReplyDeleteYou are correct in noticing that the attributes for a good mathematician fit with the attributes of most curriculum areas. I am looking forward to hearing how your integrated units of nzmaths go with your students. The majority of participants from the day have commented about not knowing they were there. A nice little gold mind. Your article was one of my favourites and yes a very important one to integrate into maths lessons and other curriculum areas. For so long maths has been seen as a silo subject. Connecting not only gives purpose but also better understanding.
I am looking forward to hearing what changes and improvements you have made at the next MPI day.
Donna
Kia ora Michelle
ReplyDeleteI love your enthusiasm and anticipation of what lies ahead with this new learning. It is a shame that resources like nzmaths get lost amongst the myriad of things that develop over time. Great that you have re-discovered these. I wonder how many others have either forgotten them or don't know they exist. By using and critiquing them you will be in a great position to share the info with the rest of the staff.
Kia ora Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI am excited to be walking alongside you as you take part with this new learning. It is exciting for the children in your class, hub and then what we can bring across to our whole school. I think always knowing the why with a clear a direction and a understanding of the purpose will always lead to success for our learners. I think there are so many perceived barriers put in front of teaching Mathematics and it is an area that is so engaging for learners, especially when the learner can make connections to themselves and the real world.
What a great start you have made- I love your blog too!
Ilisa