Embedded Files
Why does this matter?
Why does this matter?
Mathematics has always been a problem-solving class by nature, and teaching math followed the same form for generations. Teach the process. Practice the process. Test the understanding. While this "way of teaching" has worked for many years I believe that there is more to be taught in a math classroom. If we can implement real-world thinking into math classrooms maybe we can spark more interest into math class itself.
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Summary:
This article discussed the importance of creating an inclusive environment in our classrooms. In other classes like history and English, it's easier to implement culturally relevant topics into class discussions. This article talks about how we can create a discussion-based class in mathematics. This would allow students to use their critical thinking and be able to learn from their peer's thoughts. All in all, this article encouraged discussion, being able to discuss math openly would allow more commentary from students. Students would be able to share, how it relates to them, and become more culturally relevant.
Example of how to implement in the classroom:
Creating do nows that would start a discussion on current events relating to mathematics
Encourage through based discussion while doing math problems: "Can you explain your thinking"
Exit ticket; could be a reflection on current events that are mathematically related.
Adopting strategy in my own classroom:
When I get into a classroom I would love to implement this thought-based thinking. I think students would be able to grow as learners and as people if there were more culturally relevant discussions during class time. I would like to implement do-nows of current events that relate to math in my classroom. I think it will not only make my students learn about math but also grow and understand what's happening in the world around them.
https://mrelementarymath.com/culturally-responsive-teaching/
Empowering Math Teachers to be Culturally Responsive
Empowering Math Teachers to be Culturally Responsive
Summary:
This article talked about multiple ways to encourage teachers to create culturally responsive classrooms. Mathematical thinking can allow understanding but it can also teach students about culture. It also talked about how this discussion of culture fosters knowledge in students and they can begin to learn about the outside world. Finally, it talked about power in participation. I like this phrase because this goes hand in hand, with the previous article. Creating prompts that encourage participation will allow students to understand what's going on in the world around them. this can all begin in a math classroom.
Example of how to implement in the classroom:
Create math problems that incorporate diverse and cultural references.
Assign math projects that are centered around current events that require students to research math within these events
Adopting strategy into my classroom
I like this article because it showed me the importance of being a culturally responsive teacher and how it will ultimately benefit my students. I loved math projects growing up because I liked being creative with math. So after reading this article, I liked the idea of using math within current events as a project to foster my students' thinking of the outside world.
https://www.gettingsmart.com/2022/04/11/empowering-math-teachers-to-be-culturally-responsive/
Solving World Problems
Solving World Problems
Summary:
The article talked about how to make world problems more culturally relevant without creating biases within the questions. If we can implement world problems that are progressive and culturally relevant without being insensitive to their cultures; this will greatly help students understand the world around them. Ultimately the goal of creating better word problems will help students engage with relevant and meaningful mathematics. It will affirm students' identities who might question their self-identity. It could allow students to see other cultures and see where they fit. Finally would allow students to be empowered by the material itself.
Example of how to implement in the classroom:
Below is a sample of a lesson plan that I like, entitled Variables & Variable Expressions + Literacy issues
How will I implement this in my classroom:
I like this article because I think that it will be a GREAT resource for lesson plans that deal with current events. If I am put in an algebra class I would love to teach this lesson that is centered around variables. I also like this source because not only does it have great sources for me to use, but if I come up with a lesson plan I can put it into this website to help other math teachers.
https://francesharper.com/social-justice-math/
12 ways to make math more responsive
12 ways to make math more responsive
Summary:
This article also talked about the importance of creating a culturally relevant classroom. It had pretty similar themes to the others, but in this article, there was a heavy undertone of not pushing too many culture-relevant topics into classrooms. Not that it's not important, it is, just to be mindful that students might get bored of these topics. Sometimes it's ok to not constantly bring up these topics. Just so math classes can have a balance of relevance and applications.
Strategies to implement in the classroom;
Using the cultures of the students in class base a lesson about just those specific cultures one day and then next do a lesson involving opposite cultures so students can get different perspectives of other cultures and an understanding of their own.
incorporate community culture, involving math that would be common to them as well.
How will I implement this in my classroom:
I liked this article too because I felt that showed us ways to incorporate culture into our classrooms, it also made sure to be mindful of the students. Somedays students are not going to want to learn about the world's issues. Instead, they might want to learn about their own culture or culture that revolves around their town. Teaching them about culture on a more personal level.
Culturally Relevant Teaching in Mathematics
Culturally Relevant Teaching in Mathematics
Summary:
This article talked about shifting mathematics from a procedure-based classroom to a conceptual class. This way students can be able to make course connections to the real world. Teachers must be able to have a strong understanding of the material so they can convey the importance to their students. Math is a core subject and needs to be taught with relevance to keep students interested and wanting to learn the material.
Example of how to implement in the classroom:
Make math topics and questions relevant to the real world so students can make connections
Use problem-solving discussions to foster conversations with students.
Make sure all discussions become collaborative so all students can reflect on their peers and their thoughts.
How will I implement this in my classroom:
I liked this article because it provided excellent insight into how to implement discussion in class daily. Students will be able to grow with each other through discussions and benefit from the learning of the other cultures during class.
https://www.unbounded.org/blog/culturally-relevant-teaching-in-mathematics
Page updated
Report abuse