Blackboard Notes

In all that I have studied, the "science" of math has driven the technology industry, especially in education.  I like to also use technology (apps like Desmos, devices like iPads, SMART boards, etc.) to relay conceptual foundations for the math topics. I also like to frequent Richard Byrnes' site for ideas on teaching mathematics to middle and high school students ( Free Technology 4 Teachers -see Math Games and Resources) I have seen many on #Twitter and other social media provide their own recommendations for some of their favorite things they used in the last year.  In my own reflection for 2017, I would say Desmos definitely rocked.  It also helped me find different ways to teach, especially smaller groups. Fezzik: Well, I haven't fought one person for so long. I've been specialised in groups, battling gangs for local charities, that kind of thing. Westley: Why should that make such a [squashed painfully] Westley: difference? Fezzik: You use dif...

Photo by Kristine Lewis via Flickr This year marks my first in long time of having a struggle class be THE struggle class. Normally I like to do an activity with them I got from NCTM in the first month called “A Matter of Survival,” and the students usually play it out prettty well. This class could not focus for more than 2 minutes! It took me at least 20 minutes to tally their data. (October). Now they have been struggling to focus enough to understand the concepts...it almost borderlines dyscalculia.  Dyscalculia, according to Wikipedia, is " is difficulty in learning or comprehending arithmetic, such as difficulty in understanding numbers, learning how to manipulate numbers, and learning facts in mathematics. It is generally seen as a specific developmental disorder." Wikipedia reference They've been a distraction to themselves for so long, they missed capstone learning moments to solidify their number theory from the 6th grade before coming to the high...

Oh my... I have operated under the radar for the last year . There are so many things that have happened. For one, my post from winter quarter disappeared. Can't remember everything, so here goes... The picture you see is of my daughter being ready for summer camp before I left her for the week.  I realize that I will yet again be teaching college now algebra (this was ladt fall). . Based on my last experience I was not excited to do what I had done the previous year. However when the school year started, I then realized how sweet a schedule I actually had.  Actually this year's college now class was very concerned about their learning. There were a few, of course, that tried to command my attention, and I reminded them of course, this was a college-level class which required college level expectations. There was also a question whether or not I would return the following year and if so what capacity would I be teaching. It made me look for other possibilities well still ...

I'm all about showing students how to do things.  Lately I realized that students want to know if I made it (searching for relevancy). When pressed I usually show them this one. It's of my first resource websites I built in grad school. See, I'm old enough to pay homage to the old school blackboard, but yet try to keep resources people can use.  I started the makings of a intermediate algebra curriculum, but that has gone on hold for now. What I really need to do is reclaim my old website look and feel from when I did tutoirng online.  Before I lost my domain to Melbourne IT (I was not going to pay their $500+ maintenance fees), I had the darn site backed up with all of its pages, with one problem. I no longer had a hosting module or website editor that I could redo these pages to post them back on a server and rekindle the website. I lost some of the embedded pictures, but it looks something like this: It may have become inactive, but I think I may use a free do...

   Let's face it. It's summer. No one wants to think about a class of 15-35 students who may or may not be excited about your class. So what's your passion? Is it cleaning the cobs? But that's exactly  what you do when something in your house hasn't been used in ages. What's the point? I recently did a clean house project where I recycled the wood from my basement storage and turned it into shelving throughout the house. Why did I do it? I'd like to have an extra study away from the crowd. What you see is a reconstruction of that shelf at half the width and 2/3 the length.  On Facebook I called it my lean manufacturing skills put to use. I like to build! I like to repurpose!   A contractor said it right when he told me it's more work to DIY as opposed to geting new. I'm not an Earth Day conservationist. But it taught me I can do it in small pieces. It gives me something to talk about when I bring up measurement, planning, and error. Can you imagine t...

It seems like you know when the season   or inside sports really takes swing; the appearance of practice jerseys lining the benches. What you don't see is the other things that develop when you're not looking. For example, those who recognize this should take pride in that recognition. So the old debate continues, what's more important, sports or academics? If you answered both, you are on the right track as long as you don't sacrifice one for the other. The real question is this: what's your goal for being involved in either? I'm assuming you are involved, and if not GET INVOLVED. Yes, I metaphorically yelled, but that's the point.  Remember the BCBS commercial that showed on the screen "Do something for 10 minutes every day." Do something for your mind and body, it might help you think more clearly about that Algebra problem. Til I chalk again, Mr. Shel

I liked the sound of the idea...but it brings me to another level in my life when my own kids are more involved, my wife just took on more duties (play director) and I am teaching 5 distinctively different classes. Now that I've vented, I do have a starter group of young minds who can't wait to get started. I also found a sponsor willing to give us the bare minimum essentials to get started. I still have to figure out how to get the challenge kit, but 1 step at a time. Til I chalk again, Mr. Shel