June 19 - Limitations

Letting go is definitely a major limitation to student-centered teaching in mathematics. As teachers, we tend to teach the way we were taught which is traditional the teacher-centered model. Teacher’s attitude toward the concept is another limitation. Teachers are already responsible for covering a certain amount of content within a year and may feel pressured. Some moving out of their comfort zone may not be a priority.

Moving toward student-centered teaching methods will be beneficial to the student because it increase student skills, motivate student involvement and participation, as well as, force high level thinking. Student-centered teaching also requires time for planning. Teacher must provide opportunities for students to solve problems, construct examples, answer questions, explain reasoning, and summarize discussion. Teachers must think ahead, we must do less telling and allow students to discover. The ultimate goal is for students to retain knowledge and know why they are doing what they are doing.

June 14 - Reflection

Constructivism and understanding is important when students learn mathematics. In using these theories students will be involved in the problem and will not become bored and possibly cause other problems.
For example with teaching through problem solving, student will have an opportunity to explain why and how they solve the way they did. This gives student the chance to express themselves and builds self-confidence. While working in groups, each member has something unique to bring to the discussion and give them an opportunity to learn from each other through group exploration.

June 12, 2007 - Reflection

My past experiences in learning math has been taking notes and practicing problems working individually. My teaching experience in math has been taking notes, practicing problems, and applying concepts through solving real problems within groups. However, I often find myself using most of the class time lecturing (like I was taught) and realize I (the teacher) am doing most of the work within the classroom. Sometimes it becomes frustrating when the students still do not understand.

I realize that making a connection, helping the students understand why a concept is important is beneficial (ex. solving real world problems). I must now learn to allow the students to do most of the work, by solving, explaining, and using different strategies to solve problems in class.