Pagliaro, T. © 2016.
Just as usual, our sessions began with an innovative hypothetical lesson given by one of our teacher candidates. This lesson was a great interactive way to help students get familiar with using the proper terminology for this math unit. Before the activity began, the candidates reviewed the terms of probability and data management in order to re-familiarize ourselves with the terms. This is exactly what an instructor would do with their class in order to gain a foundation of what each terms means. Affirming the terms was then followed by the activity portion. Each table was given spinners; with different sized sections of different colours. Each group was given the task to complete 20 spins and determine the probability of spinning on certain colours. All members will have a chance to spin the spinner and record the data in a tally chart. In a classroom, the next step would be for students to find the mean, median, mode and range for this set of data; followed by recording the data in a graph. The spinner activity would be a great way for instructors to get students to actively participate in their learning process for this math concept.
One of the great reasons why I always enjoyed data management and probability because of the real-life application of the unit. Using real applications during day to day life will help students retain and fully understand the concepts of this unit. My favourite demonstration of this real-life application during this week's session is using Tim Horton's "Roll Up the Rim to Win." Each student in the class is able to purchase a beverage with a Roll Up the Rim cup. The students then hypothesize what they think the probability of winning would be for each person in the class. Once each student rolls up their cups, they can document the data in a tally chart; followed by finding the mean, median, mode and range for the set of data. Using this trip/activity is a great way to engage students and keep their interest in the concepts. In addition, it will also help students to gain further knowledge and understanding of these concepts.
This week has proven to be very resourceful in applying data management and probability concepts in various forms. In my opinion, using real-life applications of these concepts will improve a student's retention of the information. In addition, using online resources and manipulatives, such as spinners, will allow students to gain some hands-on experience in defining the various terms of this unit. Through this week's activities, I have learned that a great way for students to maintain interest in a subject is to incorporate real-life aspects into the lessons.
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