My Weekly Report and Reflection #6:

     After looking back on this math course, I have learned a lot of from all of the instructional forums, and blogs. Unfortunately I learned more from these online-based assignments, than the traditional lecture-based format of learning. This truly shows that there is now a "21st Century" based learning process that is being instilled within not only today's youth, but also my generation as well. The picture below relates to the 21st century based learning in today's society. 

Image retrieved from: http://21stfair2010.wikispaces.com/file/view/whiteboards.jpg/163632339/396x258/whiteboards.jpg

     In the last class, my partner and I had the opportunity to deliver a 30 minute presentation, with regards to "financial literacy". The purpose of this lesson was to facilitate a beneficial lesson to my peers to explore a topic that was not "traditionally" taught within  the Math curriculum. What my partner and I decided to deliver was a "real-life" application of financial literacy. This lesson was based around real-life financial literacy such as "money management, life planning, and setting life goals". Reflecting back on this lesson, I should have delivered a more interactive lesson, relying more on the interactive sections within the lesson. 

     Three important things that I have learned from these Online Modules include:

1. Math is a universal language
2. There is no such thing as a "Math Person"
3. A growth mindset is the best mind set to have (making mistakes, makes the brain grow) 

     Math overall is something that you practice throughout your life, and people should not be discouraged from continuing to learn math. Everything we do in life, somehow involves math and we should always be looking to expand our math understandings. One idea that stuck with me throughout this course was, "there is no such thing as a math person". Anyone can learn math, they just need to be willing enough to put in the time to properly understand the big ideas when it comes to Math. Last but not least, a growth mindset is essential for understanding Math. The interesting fact with this statement is that making mistakes actually helps our brains grow, and makes us become a more reflective math practitioner. The video below just consolidates the idea that Math is a "Universal Language". 

     

     Throughout the lesson, we participated in different lessons that go over the different instructional applications of the math strands:

• Number Sense and Numeration
• Measurement
• Geometry and Spatial Sense
• Patterning and Algebra
• Data Management and Probability 

All of these strands can include a 21st century approach to learning, integrating technology within the classroom. One of the effective ways I saw this done was integrating the use of an iPad within the classroom as an instructional tool. The students can go on an app on the iPad and answer questions with regards to different Math problems. Math is an ongoing skill that needs to be constantly reflected on and improved upon in order to ensure life-long learning of math. 

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