My Weekly Report and Reflection 9 (Week 16)

The content for this week was very stimulating and it sparked a lot of engagement for the entire class! Functions is one of my favourite strands of mathematics. I love everything about this topic, from solving equations using algebraic methods to putting these equations on paper or graphing their them on technological software. This is also an important and applicable skill to develop, since it can be used in the real world in different ways. For example, equations of functions can be plotted with each other to show their relationship with each other and their point of intersection. One of Catherine’s questions, for instance, had us compare the prices to buy a pizza for two restaurants. The point of intersection of each function (based on the starting price, and the price of each topping) is something that people could use weekly, whenever ordering pizza! There are numerous other reasons that Functions is a crucial mathematical topic that is used by professionals worldwide to create things for the public to use.

I really enjoyed taking part, as a student, in the lessons that my peers taught. I thought it was rather insightful to learn about different and new strategies that I can use in my own teaching in the future. I found it very creative that each of my classmates incorporated a different method of teaching and learning for each of their lessons. Catherine had us play “Battleships” using different functions and equations, which made her lesson both fun and educational! This is a great way to motivate students to learn, especially the many students who find mathematics tedious and complex to begin with. Applying a game-design to education makes it much more interesting and, therefore, benefits student learning of the topic. Another station that was taught used a geometric approach to complete the square. I believe that most people prefer a hands-on and visual approach to learning, and this activity allows for a more visual and interactive way to complete the square. This is especially beneficial for children and adolescents, since it gives them another perspective on the technique of completing the square based on how it may have originally been invented. When problem-solving, using your hands and doing things in real-life makes it much more enjoyable and easier to visualize. Children tend to learn through play, so it makes sense to incorporate hands-on learning in the classroom. Geometrically putting together a square and a rectangle, then trying to add another thing to it, allows us to make a perfect square in a way that is more authentic than just solving an equation on a piece of paper. Lastly, Maxim introduced me to an online program that allows teachers to present slides to their students virtually. This resource is called Desmos, and it is something that I will certainly use in my future teaching! I had heard of Desmos before, but have never actually explored it at all. I was very surprised to see just how useful and engaging Desmos was from the student’s perspective. For anyone who has not tried Desmos before, I highly advise that you do so!

I am excited for the weeks to come. Specifically, I cannot wait to participate in more lesson stations as a student to my classmates. I am also looking forward to teaching my own lesson for a Grade 12 Data Management College level class!