Many strategies are available for teachers to implement so students have chances to work through activities or projects to have a resulting product that reflects textbook information. I especially like some of the ideas offered in the text, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, 2007). An entire chapter focuses on making hypotheses and testing them for students to develop problem solving skills in relation to data collection. Students can use spreadsheet software and formulas to test data results as far into the future as they like. Situations with very large numbers and graphs that would take forever to calculate and construct with a calculator and paper can be done within minutes using the programs. Rather than spending the majority of class time preparing data and focusing on technicalities, class time can be used to discuss hypotheses accuracies and test them in different contexts. Students can actually understand why math is applicable is real life instead of only seeing the aggravations of constructing a coordinate plane and properly graphing equations.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). Constructionism and constructivism. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. DVD (custom ed.).
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Hi Ashlee!
ReplyDeleteSpreadsheets are an asset to testing hypotheses. What once would take days to complete, can now be accomplished in a matter of minutes, allowing more time for analysis.
I teach fourth grade and am looking for ways to incorporate spreadsheets into our learning. I love the constructionist philosophy of creating an artifact of student learning but often find it difficult to locate appropriate math activities for this age student. Do you have any suggestions? This year I have the "advanced" students but in future years could also have those who struggle the most. I'm also not very familiar with Excel other than knowing what it does, so I would be learning right along with my class.
I find the use of spreadsheets software fascinating because of the enormous number of problem that the built-in functions can be used to solve.Using the same software to analyze data from scientific experiments for patterns provides the learner with the opportunity to create several artifacts.The skills acquired while using these software in one content area also helps to develop the learner's skills to solve problems in other content areas.
ReplyDeleteHi Ashlee,
ReplyDeleteYour son is darling, so cute! Enjoy every moment with him--it goes by so fast. My darling son is 21 and daughter 20, the years flew by--so enjoy.
Have you ever used CPS units? They have ones just for math, our teachers at our school use them. I teach social, and I love them.
Hi Ashlee,
ReplyDeleteYour son is gorgeous, children grow up so fast enjoy every moment with him.
Have you ever used CPS units before in your math class? They have special ones for math, the teachers at our school use them and love them. I have them for my class as well--great technology tool!
I have not heard of CPS units. Can you elaborate?
ReplyDelete