Due: Sat Dec 18.

CI 490 class

A high school mathematics teacher with about five years of teaching
experience sent this message to me a while ago.

Please read it over carefully. Then reflect on your synthesis of research
that you have prepared this semester. Then prepare an answer to this
teacher. Your answer should be:

1) research-based: that is, be grounded in the research that you have
been reading and digesting this semester.

2) non-technical. Avoid using terminology that conceals more than it
reveals.

3) about 300 words in length. Not too long, not too short. Long enough to
communicate the impression that you are not only well read in research in
mathematics education but that you have a good feeling for the
complexities of life in the classroom, as well. Short enough to minimize
the chances of telling someone more than they really want to hear.

Please note: For some of you, the fit between the issue raised by this
teacher and what you have been working on may not be perfect. But the
issue is surely a general one, and provides the opportunity for you to be
creative and resourceful and provide this serious, dedicated teacher with
some fresh insights and, perhaps, some encouragement, as well.  kjt




To: "Ken Travers" <

Subject: What really works

Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 20:41:47 -0700

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Hello:

    I have decided to write this in my email so please excuse the
spelling.

    I went to a workshop on applications of math. It is a new course that
is being developed in Western Canada. Its main theme is having students
learn math by doing applications that use the math. There is some sit in
your seat and let me tell you all you need to know and then do it;
however, most of the math is allowing students to discover that in order
to solve a problem you need to know some math techniques. I think you
know what I am talking about so I will not give any examples. 

    I really like it and it brings me back to the idea of the math class
being like a science class.....  

    We try a lot of techniques to educate students and I am sure that a
lot of study is done in many areas. So the question is, What works? I do
not think that this is an unfair question, come on you guys doing all the
research and study-- someone out there must have put it all together and
found out. Now I am going to have a little argument with myself to show
that I have thought about it.

     Some may say well it depends. Great come back! Depends on what? How
about class composition. Some students care and some don't. Some come
from good homes and home life where the parents care and some don't. So
depending on the type of class you have, results will vary. 

    .....

    If you can show that the material is valid, students will buy into it
and they will do well. This in my humble....opinion is the premise behind
the new applications course (remember, I like it so I am not dissing it).
Maybe team teaching or smaller class size or TECHNOLOGY (yes this must be
it). Shorter class periods, less material, give them brain breaks every
30 minutes. The list goes on. What WORKS?