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Engagement for the reluctant math learner

11/19/2014

1 Comment

 
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Today something happened in math class that illustrates those moments we career teachers live for...

For a few weeks now I've been engaging my intermediate students in learning through Math centers.  The idea is that they work independently (either alone or in a small group) at various guided learning stations while I do some precision teaching with individuals and small groups of students, based on diagnostic and observational data  (currently geometry).  

Although some students took quickly to the model and are relishing the independence (and using it wisely; a small group today presented a self-designed power point on Pythagorean theorem to the rest of the class), others have needed a little more convincing.

One gal in particular has been desperate for spoon-feeding.  "Please, can you just teach us?" she pleaded one day in a winy voice, as I checked in on her while she wandered listlessly from one station to the next, seemingly unable to get started on any meaningful task.  My mini-lecture about needing to become independent learners capable of choosing wisely from the learning buffet of life did not convince her.

But today, today I think my little friend embarked down the road of self-inspiration:  Asked at one center to identify and construct the five platonic solids, she and a peer set out half-heartedly to build an octahedron out of the plastic polydrons provided.  

The "net" just didn't click for her at first, and she came over to me and ask if I would build it for her.  When I declined, she nearly gave up, but with a little encouragement she suddenly saw the task for the achievable challenge that it was.  

"Okay, let's DO this!" she decidedly announced to her partner.

Not long after that, they arrived to show me their completed octahedron, and insisted that they be allowed to put it back in the center as is for all to see and admire, rather than tear it apart when it was time to tidy up. :D

I am looking forward to observing and fostering my new convert's progress as she continues to discover the joy of meaningful, self-directed learning.

1 Comment
Mechanical Contractors Colorado link
3/16/2023 08:59:59 am

Nice blog you have

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    About Vera...

    Vera & her Sons, April 2021
    After writing for several teacher and multiple birth publications, including ETFO's Voice Magazine, Multiple Moments, and the Bulletwin, Vera turned her written attention to prolific blogging for some years, including BiB,  "Learn to Fly with Vera!"  and SMARTbansho .  Homeschooling 4 was her travel blog in Argentina.  She now spends more time on her Instagram (@schalgzeug_usw)  than her blog (pictures are worth a thousand words?!) 
    DISCLAIMER
    The views expressed on this blog are the views of the author, and do not necessarily represent the perspectives of her family members or the position of her employer on the the issues she blogs about.  These posts are intended to share resources, document family life, and encourage critical thought on a variety of subjects.  They are not intended to cause harm to any individual or member of any group. By reading this blog and viewing this site, you agree to not hold Vera liable for any harm done by views expressed in this blog.
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Vera C. Teschow, OCT, M.Ed., MOT
Toronto, ON & St Peter's Harbour, PE
www.verateschow.ca 2021
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