Easter - time for renewal of ideas

I have been very remiss about keeping up my blog (mainly for me), but you have not yet checked Mathbits from MCTM, I highly encourage you to do so (not just because there is an article from me about my last plug for spring conference).

Why the picture? It represents some fundamental changes at our house. My daughter, as pictured, has been interning out in the Chicago area to develop her media production skills to get better at her trade. Most recently, her dog, Brice, has also (more recently) made that transition by riding back out there with her. It makes me reflect and wonder what's the point of what I am doing right now? Do I have a mission to do other things and work with others since I no longer need to "watch over" the dog, nor tend to any immediate needs of my daughter.

I think most frequently, especially because of the pandemic, school students have developed this attitude, "What's the point? Why do we have to have math class?" I think Howie Hua has made a good discussion starter that all of us as math teachers should be considering. (Please note the link is through Facebook).

To summarize, here's what Howie calls the 4 C's of teaching math:

Collaboration (live in person)
Communicate Ideas (live in person - can't communicate with a video)
Creativity - didn't directly say, but using synergy
Critical thinking - (also live in person)

From my experience, these have been unpacked into separate professional development standards, where you could almost take a day of training on each one of these bullets. This should help you refocus and find your why, ESPECIALLY if you are just reading this and into your final quarter of school.

What ever you do, you will come across something that can inspire you to do math; why not pass that on to the students?

Til I chalk again,

Mr. Shel

Comments

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Blackboard Notes

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