Learning New Ways!!!

          In this week's session, we learned new methods of solving the four basic operations in math: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. We were all able to see 4 different methods of completing questions of each mathematical concept. After completing the various sample questions, I discovered that I use traditional methods for completing questions in all four concepts. However by the end of this session, I was very intrigued by some new methods I had never seen before.

          The first method I found interesting was solving subtraction problems. This method is called the Singapore Method. Instead of using the traditional method of regrouping, this method allows students to subtract the tens place of a number first in order to get the bottom number that is being subtracted to zero. I believe this method will help students a great deal if they are unable to grasp the concept of regrouping. In the image below, the four types of methods are demonstrated; with the Singapore method being visualized in the bottom left corner.  Since the first number to being the subtraction is 0, an individual using the traditional method would borrow from the number on the left. However, with this method, one subtracts the bottom number, in this case 6, from both numbers. This will ensure the bottom number to end in a 0; making it easier for the student to complete the subtraction.

Pagliaro, Teressa-Marie. Instructor's Photo. Image of instructor's slide. Retrieved from Teresa-Marie Pagliaro's photos. 

          The second method that struck my interest was solving multiplication problems using the Multiplying Lines method. Instead of using the traditional multiplication methods, using one's basic times tables skills, students draw a series of lines to obtain the same answers. I found this method extremely interesting due to the fact that it is a new perspective of looking at multiplication. The following link will give a demonstration of how this method is done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AJvshZmYPs

          Overall, I believe teachers should always keep an open mind to different teaching methods. Each student learns in a different way. Therefore, we should all as educators keep an open mind to new ideas in order to create a comfortable learning environment for students.

Welcome to Math!

Hello fellow classmates,

       My name is Teresa-Marie Pagliaro and I am a recent graduate of McMaster University with a Honours BA in French. One of my great admirations is learning new languages and helping students become acquainted with the French language. Due to this admiration, I also took many courses in linguistics. My studies in linguistics allowed me to gain a different perceptive of the general makeup of languages; from the basis of learning sounds to the use of words in forming well structured sentences for communication and writing purposes. This same sort of learning process can be applied to learning math as well. For math, we must learn the basic foundation operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, before we go on into learning new and more complex problems.

       Since high school, I have not taken any math courses. However, I do believe that I have developed a great foundation of mathematical knowledge through my elementary and high school education in the subject. Math was never one of my favourite subjects, but I managed to obtain a general understanding of its concepts. One way I have tried to re-familiarize myself with J/I concepts is working as a tutor at the Hamilton Oxford Learning Centre.  Primarily, I help students, from grades 1 to 8, with their English or French homework; but I occasionally work with math students. Working at an Oxford has helped me enhance my pre-attained math knowledge and allow it to grow as I review the various math concepts with students.
    
      By the end of this course, I hope to gain a better understanding of techniques that I will be able to use in the classroom. Many students find math difficult; as did I. As an educator, I believe it is important to make the students feel less anxious about learning and completing math concepts. Math concepts should not be feared. In order to promote the retention of information, teachers should make the concepts relatable to the students on some level. Whether it is through using sports, food, movies, etc. teachers can try to use any material to help the students remember the material they have just learned  Therefore, I would like to learn different strategies that will help engage students and create a fun learning environment in order to build confident math skills.

Clipart. 2016. Math Symbols Clipart [Online Image]. Retrieved from http://cliparts.co/clipart/7428.

Looking forward to the rest of the semester and future posts,

Teresa-Marie Pagliaro