I read the first chapter of the book and was quite impressed with the Six Principles that were discussed.
They focused on:
1) Equity : All students must have the opportunity and adequate support to learn math regardless of who the child is or where he/she comes from
2) Curriculum: Focused on the big picture and integration of the different mathematical topics as well the integration of math into daily life
3)Teaching: Mentioned that teachers must understand the math, understand how children learn math and using both of these understandings select strategies that will enhance learning
4)Learning: Learning math with understanding is essential. This is as opposed to the popular believe that only computational skills that people believe is important for mathematical understanding.
5) Assessment: Should be done to guide and enhance students' learning and should involve observations, student interactions and feedback.
6) Technology: Calculators, computers and other technologies that aid in the learning math should be used to increase exploration and representation of ideas.
This base in my opinion is essential for me as a teacher. Growing up in the age of route learning and never ending exercises which bored me, the ideas that the principles encompassed would definitely make learning a much more enjoyable process. One of the most important principles was that of equity. Growing up I remembered how my teachers used to cast aside certain students as she thought that these students would never be able to do well at math. Needless to say they didn't. However given a chance and a push I'm sure they would have done well. The principles further expanded to process standards which I felt was a good baseline to use in teaching math to children.
Currently in our school, we have a centralized curriculum however I will definitely encourage my teachers to not just stick to the methodology but instead to use their discretion with certain students. However, it is comforting to know that the curricula used is on par with the standards and principles.
They focused on:
1) Equity : All students must have the opportunity and adequate support to learn math regardless of who the child is or where he/she comes from
2) Curriculum: Focused on the big picture and integration of the different mathematical topics as well the integration of math into daily life
3)Teaching: Mentioned that teachers must understand the math, understand how children learn math and using both of these understandings select strategies that will enhance learning
4)Learning: Learning math with understanding is essential. This is as opposed to the popular believe that only computational skills that people believe is important for mathematical understanding.
5) Assessment: Should be done to guide and enhance students' learning and should involve observations, student interactions and feedback.
6) Technology: Calculators, computers and other technologies that aid in the learning math should be used to increase exploration and representation of ideas.
This base in my opinion is essential for me as a teacher. Growing up in the age of route learning and never ending exercises which bored me, the ideas that the principles encompassed would definitely make learning a much more enjoyable process. One of the most important principles was that of equity. Growing up I remembered how my teachers used to cast aside certain students as she thought that these students would never be able to do well at math. Needless to say they didn't. However given a chance and a push I'm sure they would have done well. The principles further expanded to process standards which I felt was a good baseline to use in teaching math to children.
Currently in our school, we have a centralized curriculum however I will definitely encourage my teachers to not just stick to the methodology but instead to use their discretion with certain students. However, it is comforting to know that the curricula used is on par with the standards and principles.
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