Entrance Slip : Oct. 8

Experiences with real objects are certainly helpful for relational understanding of geometry and physics (especially for physics probably, because physics is more based on real-life situations). As shown in the article, students could have intrinsic and extrinsic point of views of something as simple as a straight line. This is quite helpful for understanding complicated geometrical problems prevalent in math and physics.  Most of the times we have to use our imaginations for these problems, but our imaginations depend on our real-life experiences with the objects.  Sensory experiences and embodied ways of learning are definitely necessary in our classes.  We could bring in 3-D objects and ask them to relate these objects to hyperbolic geometry. We could ask them to create/ find something relevant to the concepts learnt in class. With the engagement of senses, it’s easier for students to remember the shapes. 

For example, in the article, “The geodesics (intrinsic straight lines’) on a hyperbolic surface can be found using the “symmetry” meaning of straightness discussed above: for example, the geodesics can be found by folding the surface (in the same way that folding a sheet of paper will produce a straight line on the paper). This folding also determines a reflection about that geodesic.” By interacting with the models, we have a more direct ‘feeling’ of it and this definitely helps us in solving future problems.

Also I learnt that there are different learner types and some of the students are kinesthetic learners. They learn best when they process information while being physically active or engaged. Considering the heavy use of visual and auditory learning styles in classrooms. it is probably necessary to include other types as well. 

评论

发表评论

此博客中的热门博文

Mathematics for human flourishing : Response

 1. Can you describe 2 places in the chapter that made you stop and think? First: “I don’t like the word success, but people think of me as successful, as if the true measure of my mathematical achievement were the awards I’ve received or the papers I’ve published. “ While most people in the society consider being good at math as a success, most mathematicians truly enjoyed doing math and the external awards are not the most important thing. It should not be described this way. The enjoyment of pure math is more like enjoyment of art. One of friend really liked math and he’s always saying that math is just art. I believe it’s true to some extent. Most high school teachers just treat math as a “method” , a tool. However,  it is a degradation of the higher meanings behind mathematics processes.   Second: “society has not taken seriously its obligation to provide a vibrant mathematics education for everyone.” Certainly. Most teachers do not think that math is somethi...
阅读全文

Symbolic Worlds Response

 From the article: As people engage in the activities associated with a figured world and become familiar with it and learn its meanings, they become attuned to actions relevant to the world and to people and types of people that have meaning in it.   People invest themselves in particular figured worlds and learn to be, in the eyes of self and others, a particular sort of actor in that world, such as… One’s actions in the world are informed by the desire to perform or validate such claims to identity.   These are both true. As continued from the previous discussions on Local Matters, people tend to become more “like others”. More than that, they need to “think like others” in order to survive in this society! Or whatever society there is. This again I think could be traced back to ancient times. Consider a really traditional and conservative environment, like in ancient China, if you don’t conform and you don’t play your “role” in the society as pre-determined,...
阅读全文

Topic for inquiry

  1.      Define your question Search Topic: How to create a productive and healthy learning environment?   2.      Analyze your topic into concepts Concept A Concept B Concept C Factors that affects student’s   level of attention and efficiency in learning. Physically, emotionally,  psychologically SEL Students’ emotional responses to the class and to others How students could manage their own emotions / identify other’s emotions and deal with them correctly  (mutual relationship between students) External factors (family situations ,socioeconomic status, etc ) and whether or how we should deal with them.   I noticed in my high school that teachers are not doing a great job in engaging the students to learn or effectively transmit the knowledge. As a new teacher I’m also worried about not being able to m...
阅读全文