How Has TEAM-Math Influenced Me?

Group Work Most effective strategy used ---- Homework is checked in groups. Students only approach me with a group question.

Do you learn better when you check your work in your group? “yes, I do learn in my group because when I am wrong then I can communicate with them and ask them how they did it and it helps me understand more.” “I do learn when I check with my group but sometimes none of us are right.” “Yes, more than likely I’m wrong.” “Yes, because we discuss our answers and if their wrong my group can show and tell me what I did wrong and help me understand it!” “Yes, because it helps me see how other people work the problems out.” “I do because smarts kids can explain it in more simple terms.” “this is the activity that I learn the most because S… really helps me and explains everything good” “Yes I do learn from checking in groups and I like it a lot.” “No, normally i’m the one getting checked off of.”

Relevant Mathematics Not only real-world, but meaningful to the students In your group, use four 4s and some symbols +, x, -, divide and () to give expressions for the whole numbers from 0 thru 9: for example 5 = (4x4+4)/4 Interactive Mathematics Program: Patterns Year 1 Unit POW 2: Puzzle The idea of that problem was to use the digits 1, 2, 3, and 4 once each, along with arithmetic operations, to create expressions with different numerical values. 1+(2+3)x4 is A expression for the number 21.

Compare the Four 4s and the Extra Practice Worksheets. “4’s problem because I like it more and it was really fun. It actually made me think and get into it.” “Practice worksheets because I need things explained before I do them.” “I learned more from the puzzle because it challenged me.” “They both help in different ways.” “Extra practice worksheets are good for test practice.” “They both help me understand better.” “I learned more from the puzzle because it wasn’t like having to find one specific thing, it was having choices.” “The puzzle was more fun and without the worksheets is better.” “The worksheets are not realy teaching u any thing its jus there so you don’t forget it.”

Teacher as a Facilitator I have not accomplished as much in this area as I would like. Students that are performing above grade level are easy to facilitate. The students that are performing on grade level are a challenge for me to facilitate. I tend to fall back into the old teacher mode. In this area, I feel like I have had success with always trying to ask the class, “Do you agree or disagree ?” whether the person has worked the problem right or wrong.

Laptop Initiative Students have Geometers Sketch Pad available at all times. The NCTM website with Illuminations is always available. Internet with data available.

TEAM-Math has influence me by encouraging me to be a leader. Leadership Positions –CMP Trainer –Textbook committee –Curriculum committee –STL/DTL –Presenter for TEAM-Math/AMSTI –Vice-President/President of Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics –East Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics