Week Four

1.  What did I learn?

I learned how much fun geometry can be.  Learning something (geometry terms, etc.), while creating something (the box), was fun for me.  However, the assignment we did made me realize just how much review I am going to need before I start teaching.  I couldn't remember what congruent meant, and I couldn't prove/justify why or how I knew my line segments were parallel, etc.  I need some serious vocabulary refresher courses!

2.  What do I have questions about?

How can I bring fun and interesting things into my teaching, when I am not very creative and haven't learned many tips yet?  I do not want to wait three years to "improve" my lessons, especially in math.  

How could I transform the lesson we did in class to a group lesson?  I would love to learn more about doing that.  (I just ordered Designing Groupwork), so maybe that will help:)

3.  What are the implications for classroom practice?

I can see how having students explain their "proofs' out loud can help others learn.  I had a hard time following what my cohort members were saying, but I think part of that was due to my struggle in recalling geometry terminology- and because I am couldn't see what they were referring to/doing.  If students are currently learning the concepts/vocabulary etc., I think it would be pretty easy for them to follow along.  I know that kids are very good at describing things in a way that their peers can understand them, so I think exercises like this can be very beneficial for all students - but especially those who may not "get it" from reading straight out of their math book.  The more they learn, the more confidence they will have to attempt risks in their learning.  I like that!