Real Life Problem Solving
Hello everyone!
Another interesting week in math class. What I really took from class today was the use of real life examples in problem solving questions. As a class we worked in our groups solving problems that involved Hershey chocolate bars, fish, submarine sandwiches, and more. By relating mathematical problems to real life objects I find the math activity becomes much more interesting, engaging, and understandable. Utilizing real life problems makes math meaningful to students, and reinforces their problem-solving skills and understanding of mathematics within their daily lives. The learning transitions from memorizing facts to actually understanding what those equations mean. This reaches beyond the classroom so students may deal with real-life examples. I mean, who wouldn't love a word problem revolving around a pizza party?
The curriculum states that teachers are responsible for developing appropriate instructional strategies to help students achieve the curriculum expectations, but also must bring enthusiasm and varied teaching to the classroom. I think this is where utilizing interesting word problems comes into play. The curriculum also mentions that students learn mathematics most effectively when they are given opportunities to investigate ideas and concepts through problem solving and are then guided carefully into an understanding of the mathematical principles involved. This promotes a balanced program in mathematics.
I believe problem solving is the most important mathematical process that supports effective learning in mathematics. The curriculum states that this process gives students numerous opportunities to connect mathematical ideas and to develop conceptual understanding, and that problem solving forms the basis of effective mathematics and should be the mainstay of mathematical instruction. It is considered an essential process through which students are able to achieve the expectations in mathematics and is integral in the curriculum for Ontario. I wonder if it is possible to transition math lessons to solely focus on problem solving and real life situations, rather than memorization and lecture style teaching? Would this be beneficial to students' understanding of math, or would a more traditional "lecture" model be more valuable to their retention of mathematical concepts? Perhaps a balance would best benefit the students? What are your thoughts on this? I am going to look into this idea more and do some research. Let's collaborate later on about our thoughts and findings :)
Ps. Here is a video focusing on the how math is everywhere in real life! Furthermore it provides a series of examples of "real life math" that a teacher could utilize in the teaching of mathematical concepts, or use in lessons and word problems.
Another interesting week in math class. What I really took from class today was the use of real life examples in problem solving questions. As a class we worked in our groups solving problems that involved Hershey chocolate bars, fish, submarine sandwiches, and more. By relating mathematical problems to real life objects I find the math activity becomes much more interesting, engaging, and understandable. Utilizing real life problems makes math meaningful to students, and reinforces their problem-solving skills and understanding of mathematics within their daily lives. The learning transitions from memorizing facts to actually understanding what those equations mean. This reaches beyond the classroom so students may deal with real-life examples. I mean, who wouldn't love a word problem revolving around a pizza party?
The curriculum states that teachers are responsible for developing appropriate instructional strategies to help students achieve the curriculum expectations, but also must bring enthusiasm and varied teaching to the classroom. I think this is where utilizing interesting word problems comes into play. The curriculum also mentions that students learn mathematics most effectively when they are given opportunities to investigate ideas and concepts through problem solving and are then guided carefully into an understanding of the mathematical principles involved. This promotes a balanced program in mathematics.
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| http://thinkingofteaching.blogspot.ca/2012/05/fractions-part-2-problem-solving-and.html |
I believe problem solving is the most important mathematical process that supports effective learning in mathematics. The curriculum states that this process gives students numerous opportunities to connect mathematical ideas and to develop conceptual understanding, and that problem solving forms the basis of effective mathematics and should be the mainstay of mathematical instruction. It is considered an essential process through which students are able to achieve the expectations in mathematics and is integral in the curriculum for Ontario. I wonder if it is possible to transition math lessons to solely focus on problem solving and real life situations, rather than memorization and lecture style teaching? Would this be beneficial to students' understanding of math, or would a more traditional "lecture" model be more valuable to their retention of mathematical concepts? Perhaps a balance would best benefit the students? What are your thoughts on this? I am going to look into this idea more and do some research. Let's collaborate later on about our thoughts and findings :)
Ps. Here is a video focusing on the how math is everywhere in real life! Furthermore it provides a series of examples of "real life math" that a teacher could utilize in the teaching of mathematical concepts, or use in lessons and word problems.
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