Session 6- 31st August 2011
This was my final session with Dr Yeap. As we were discussing Lesson 22 with Dr Yeap, we learnt that it is important for children to understand the real-life meaning of the calculation done to get the answer. From the way they answer questions, we can infer their procedural knowledge, conceptual knowledge and whether do they know the right method to use. We also learnt of the various kinds of tests given to children.
1. Paper-pencil test
2. Oral test
These are types of Assessment tasks given to children.
I like the real life math teaching moment with the Environment that Dr Yeap did with the class. Math teaching should be done throughout the day, we can make use of the moment, make it a “math moment”!. Even when one is outdoors, we can use the environment to teach math such as the activity we did using the photo from Hort Park. The class did Multiplication in Hort Park!!
“What are the ways children can count” ? Dr Yeap asked.
“Counting in two’s , 7 times table.. Etc…”?
“Will counting in two’s become an obstacle for them?”… Dr Yeap really made us think. “Do they have strategies to overcome weaknesses?” (These are assessing type of questions used I realized that Dr Yeap was encouraging us to think along these patterns...)
So, from this activity, I realized wow!! We can really see how much a child knows. …I also enjoyed the other real –life environment activities like the Measurement of the top of the Bras –Brasah MRT staircase to the bottom.
My calculation is as follows: 62 steps x 15cm = 930
930 / 100= 9.3m
Our group discussed the measurements we got and we also thought is it the exact distance from the top of the staircase to the bottom? What about the open space in between each set of steps… we didn’t count that.. We were wondering is it still accurate… hmnn…
As for the kidney bean activity, we had to apply our pre- knowledge of volume & capacity and newly found understanding of volume and capacity that Dr Yeap briefed us on before the activity to the making of the container and whoa! !
I didn’t realize a small box would be able to hold so many many beans!! That activity was amazing….
Overall, I enjoyed my last- session and took note that as teachers Math can be taught when the moment is made teachable. Now I have a deeper understanding of what Math is and will apply the strategy and tasks learnt with my kids.
Math is looking for visualization, patterns, having number sense, metacognition & communication!!! Thanks Dr. Yeap J
‘
