As the semester comes to a close and I begin the task of reflecting on everything I've learned, Math Methods comes to mind. Throughout this semester, I've been introduced to reformed math. Reformed math couldn't be more opposite from what I learned growing up so it's been interesting learning all the differences and they ways I will be expected to teach math in the coming years.
One of the ideas I've had the most trouble with is the idea that math is no longer about having the right answer, that's certainly part of it, but the main point is the journey the child took to finding the answer they did. Growing up, it was all about getting the right answer by following a very specific set of rules. Throughout this semester I've learned a lot about the reformed method and I think it has it's good qualities, but I think that as teachers we need to remember that it's not just about the road traveled, but getting the answer is equally as important. It does no good for a child to come up with an ingenious way of solving a problem if, in the end, the problem remains unsolved.
I really feel like the ultimate math class would have a quality combination of both methods. I think the reformed method provides children with a solid number sense that is crucial to understanding math, but the traditional algorithms also provide a standard way of getting the right answer.
With the introduction of the SMARTBoard and various other technological tools in many classrooms, I look forward to seeing other new ways math can be taught and understood.
1 comment:
I completely agree about needing to use a combination of both the reformed and traditional methods. I think the technology we've learned this year will be a vital resource in teaching math more and more as the years go on. I remember Mr. Freed using the Smartboard in our math class last year and how effective it was for me... I can only imagine how much more effective it will be to the generation coming up who is so reliant on technology. Good thoughts!
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