exit slip for sept 17

 

In our video today Jo Boaler said that math is not a “gift” but it’s something everyone could learn well. The growth mindset she mentioned is crucial to the learning of mathematics because when kids have a growth mindset, they would have more persistence, determination to keep going and encouragement by other’s success. Personally, I also have the fixed mindset because I always thought that smartness is important when learning mathematical concepts. However, there may be other ways to look at it and it did occur to me in university that even when you’re ‘smart’, if you don’t put enough effort into learning, you might just turn out ‘dumb’. Nonetheless, I still believe that the factor of IQ is crucial when solving higher level mathematical problems. Some students simply can’t get it... or maybe they didn't try hard enough.

“Multi-dimensional math” is another important concept she brought up.  As she asserted, when we have inquiry-based mathematics in a classroom, achievement and participation is higher. I personally believe that it is crucial to teach math in an interesting way so that students don’t get bored and passive. If we had the ability and time to do so, and it is allowed in the school system, it would certainly be worthwhile to try the multi-dimensional approach. Math is not a one-dimensional thing for sure, and many people thought of it as art. We should let the students enjoy it, but I'm not sure if we could do it from the very start, when they don't have many "tools" within their hands. But maybe we can. 

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  1. Susan Gerofsky2020年9月23日 21:32

    Interesting reflections here, May. I hope you will keep returning to the idea of fixed and growth mindsets. If you as a teacher believe that some of your students will never be able to understand the mathematics, what chance do they have of learning in your class? At the same time, we all know people who struggle with math (and maybe we ALL struggle with particular concepts at times!)

    Thinking about multi-dimensional math: we DO have the ability, time and permission to teach math in multi-dimensional, non-boring ways in BC secondary schools! The challenge is to have the courage to start and to start small and build our repertoire. Don't try to change everything you ever learned in your first year -- but do try to change one lesson per unit of work each year, and over the course of five years, you will have come far!

    PS: I don't see your post on the Robin Wall Kimmerer chapter in preparation for our online webinar tomorrow morning! Please do post it soon, and let me know when you have.

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