Thus far, I am having mixed results with the resources and information I need to continue my GAME plan. I mentioned that one resource I need the most is time. I am coming up on summer break, which will give me time to research what I want to add to my instructional techniques and skills, as well as analyze my lessons to see where I can fit in real world problems and applications. I have yet to choose which research journals I want to frequent with my research. Two that I have looked at using are the Journal of Research on Technology in Education, and the Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education.
As of right now, I do not feel that I need to modify my game plan. I feel I need to spend a little more time researching instructional techniques, and finding more reliable resources. I also need to research how my curriculum relates to student interests and real world problems.
So far, I have learned that I can use the position equation to model quadratic functions with my students. In this formula, one can find the height of an object being thrown into the air at any given point in time. This is a great application that students can model themselves. In addition, there are many applications of area and surface area that can be used to model quadratic equations in real world situations. I have also learned that right triangle trigonometry can be used to model solving right triangles in many real world situations such as finding the heights of very tall objects. In terms of technology, I have begun to learn how to use the moodle that my system just started so that I can upload resources, lessons, and assignments online that students can access outside of the classroom.
There are no new questions that have arisen as of yet. The main question that I still have it how can I integrate technology into my instruction so that it will benefit my students. That includes, how can I get more technology into my students hands in order to further learn the content they need to know in my classroom.
Thanks,
Bryan
Bryan,
ReplyDeleteYou had mentioned that you wanted to research more instructional techniques. The math teacher in this week's resources mentions Geometric Sketchpad and Google Sketch up frequently. Have you ever used either of these programs before in your math classes? If so, do you think these programs could be applied in an elementary classroom?
Thank you.
Keri
Bryan,
ReplyDeleteAre you a member of NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics)? Their URL is www.nctm.org. They have a fantastic online resource called Illuminations that has an excellent collection (hundreds) of activities and lesson plans, many with technology applications, for Pre-K through grade 12, all linked to math specific standards. They also have a list of over 700 Web links to math resources. I use Illuminations often and highly recommend it.
I also use their Journal for Research in Math Education and their monthly journal, Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School. They have a high school version too, called Mathematics Teacher.
Their annual membership fee is one that I can honestly say is worth every penny to me!
Good luck with your research!
Susan
Bryan,
ReplyDeleteI am also always looking for new things to do with my students and I have found that the sites that our classmates mentioned above can be great resources for our students. I feel that math can sometimes be a hard subject to find sources and good literature but if you search you can find some very valuable sites. One of my favorite sites to use for my students is actually the NCTM site. There are many games and interactive activities to do with students. I also really like the site brain pop for some of my students that struggle with harder concepts. They have a lot of great cartoons and skits that help with the understanding of more complex math problems. Hopefully you find some really great sites to use with your students.
Good luck!
Erinn
Bryan,
ReplyDeleteSince you have stated that finding time to dedicate to meeting this goal, I was wondering if instead of adding another thing to your plate maybe you should consider how you may be able to modify what you already do. I imagine you have activities that you already do that could be created using a digital format. I also imagine you see interesting applications for your content when you out and about in the world, your students would liekly be interested in the same things if they knew of your interests.
I know it's hard to think of doing things that are tried and true in a different way. But you may be less overwhelmed by getting things rolling that way.
Just my thoughts.
Bryan,
ReplyDeleteI too, seem to need more time. I decided to modify my GAME plan by switching actions from immediate implementation in my classroom to implementation planned for next semester's classes. As a math teacher, I thought it would be helpful to share the same resource I shared with another teacher. Here is a link to a wireless tablet that students can use at their seats or you can use as you are walking around to write your calculations on which will simultaneously be projected on the board. Not only are the students more willing to share their work, but classmates are more inclined to pay attention to the student as he/she works and offer feedback in real time. Students can show their work without blocking the view by writing on a dry erase or blackboard.
http://www.wacom.com/en/Products/Intuos/Intuos4Wireless.aspx