Hello everyone.
My project is on math and the use of journals. Basically will using the journals help my students better to understand and retain lessons? Will the use of journals help me to teach better? To be honest, I started off great but then math was changed around a bit in my schedule as well as using a program. AFter so many teachers telling me about Singapore Math, I requested the teacher's edition and student book to use. It arrived about a week and half ago so I changed over to use that exclusively. Using a program with directions has helped immensely since I do not have a lot of confidence in teaching math. Since the program has arrived my emotions have swung around a bit but is rising!
Journals: 3
Emotions: 3
Lisa
Hmmm.... Lisa, maybe you should rephrase your question to match something you are doing with the new math program. Do you notice anything specifically used by the program that is a new technique, or new procedure, or new way of communicating that you know you will be using often? You may want to phrase a question around that. Happy to hear that Singapore math is helping you! I hear it is a really nice tool! You may want to chat with Jan Walker a bit to help you frame a new question. She knows a lot about this new program! She also knows what she needs 5th grade students to have mastered by the time they get to 6th grade...maybe something like that could drive your question!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Holly that you may need to change your question a little. How are the kids feeling about using journals for math?
ReplyDeleteI still think using journal in math class is a wonderful tool. I would enoourage you to try and incorporate into your question somehow. Especially, if you do dialoguing journals. Just something to think about. Cherié Baker
ReplyDeleteLisa, are you still using your math journals? If so, can you incorporate them into Singapore Math? I agree that math journals are fabulous tools as students need to be able to discuss their thinking. I have noticed that the step-by-step model drawing is a great way to get students to think about the process and their thinking. I wonder if you can use the step-by-step model drawing along with your journals?
ReplyDeleteLisa, maybe you should consider using this new tool for a bit longer and just reflecting on how that goes before making a decision about your question. For me, ideas sometimes come after I have had a chance to really dive into something.
ReplyDeleteI switched math curricula a month or so into this year, too, and it took me another month to feel like I 'got' the new curriculum. It can be a tough transition, and I support others saying "take your time." Having said that, I also say "vive la journal de mathematique!" I'm realizing more and more how powerful that can be.
ReplyDeleteI'm very impressed that this Singapore math has made you more comfortable teaching math, I'll have to check it out. That's quite a claim that it can have an effect like that on a teacher.