EDUC4105

It is always encouraging to read reports of research undertaken by teachers where they try things and it works. There were some good ideas mentioned like bringing the class together in a group for class discussions, both for student involvement and behaviour management. This could even be useful for class demonstrations of technology. The encouragement of error is something that is becoming increasingly prominent in Mathematics classrooms. It is definitely important in establishing a conjecturing classroom environment.

Encouraging students to use their own language to contribute in discussions was another good idea. Because the teacher declined to interfere with suggestions by students, everyone was more willing to contribute and there was opportunity for students to realise the need for more descriptive Mathematical language.

I also really liked the activity described right at the end of the chapter, where students  had the chance to come up with their own number pattern and name it. This creative activity places emphasis on Mathematics being a human construct. It could also let students feel more connected with the terminology that somebody else has come up with.