Jenna Stanbury's Math Blog

 This semester has been jam-packed with excellent strategies and resources that we as teachers can use in our future math classes. I have created a list of 10 ideas that have stuck with me, and that I would like to implement in my future math classes so that I can be the best teacher that I can be! 1. Specializing & Generalizing Specialization and generalization are two important factors in problem-solving. These two concepts are used together to help you UNPACK the question so that you focus in on specific examples, in which you can then find patterns that can be useful to generalize your ideas to come up with a solid solution. If these two concepts are used together, then this can help improve our students' mathematical thinking. "Specializing with an eye on the 'why' rather than the 'what' may lead to insight into  what is really happening" - John Mason, p. 4 2. Being Stuck Being stuck isn't always a bad thing! Many students feel discouraged whe...

Reflection and metacognition are super important in gaining a deeper understanding of the mathematical processes that you're using when problem-solving. Many students simply solve problems but they may not think about the steps they are taking or the strategies they are using. In the last few weeks we have focused on the internal motor and reflecting on the key ideas and to intensify the critical moments! The use of internal questioning and internal reflection definitely strengthens your understanding and arguments, which consolidates the learning even more! Some things to think about when you are problem-solving & questions to consider: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~ Getting Started ~ What is the question as a whole? What is the question asking me? How is this question like others that I've enjoyed? How is it different? ~ Getting Involved ~ Which notions can I introduce? Are...

Over the last couple of weeks, we discussed the difference between Relational Understanding and Instrumental Understanding, as well as the idea of Convincing and Justifying our ideas.  Instrumental Understanding is the idea of "rules without reason", which is when people know the rules and procedures but don't understand the WHY behind these procedures. I find that there are many mathematical procedures that I know, but I may not be able to explain the WHY. For example, I recall memorizing the quadratic formula without understanding why it works. Instrumental Relational Understanding is the idea of knowing both WHAT to do and WHY you do it. This type of understanding requires critical thinking where you must dig deeper to figure out how certain procedures and rules connect and how they can be applied. I noticed that through university my critical thinking skills have developed, which has allowed me to deepen my understanding allowing me to gain a relational understandin...