Redefining Mathematics Pedagogy with Contextual Tasks & Technology
October 2017
Thank you for joining me for some math geekery at the Orchard Park EdTechTeam Custom Summit! Please feel free to utilize the resources related to each day below for your future use. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out in the future!
Session #1: Making Math Contextual, Visual and Concrete
Before jumping into the task, we discussed the two groups of students I (unintentionally) created in my class and the possible commonalities between students in both groups.
We also spent some time discussing the problem with rushing to the algorithm and used the Keurig Instant Coffee Maker commercial as a prime example of the rush to the algorithm.
The task explored during this session was the Stacking Paper 3 Act Math Task:
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Keep in mind that you might consider using Google Sites as an option to deliver this task:
You can also read a blog post about creating interactive tasks with Google Sites here:
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I shared a Google Doc with a couple additional options as well such as Desmos Custom Activity Builder, Knowledgehook Gameshow, Recap! and GoFormative.
Session #2: Sparking Curiosity to Promote Inquiry and Productive Struggle
During the second session of the morning, we discussed more strategies to spark curiosity in order to promote inquiry and productive struggle.
The task we focused on during this session was the Counting Candies 3 Act Math Task:
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After introducing the task, we also added a Desmos Custom Activity to the mix:
[DESMOS] Counting Candies 3 Act Math Task
This activity supports the Counting Candies 3 Act Math Task in order to introduce the idea of systems of equations.
Access this activity in the following ways:
- As a student to try the activity.
- As a teacher to create your own session for your class.
Session #3: Gamifying Formative Assessment With Knowledgehook Gameshow
In this session, we explored the Four Stages of Learning (or Four Stages of Mastery), as I like to call them.
I then shared my vision for mathematics education that I have been refining for the past five years. Here is what it looks like currently:
We then jumped into a 3 act math task called “Walk Out“:
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After introducing the initial video and giving some time for you to notice and wonder, we soon added in a digital tool called Knowledgehook Gameshow to make the process interactive. As I mentioned in the session, I would spend time without any digital tool when introducing 3 act math tasks in your classroom to build a community of mathematical thinkers and discourse.
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I hope you enjoyed the professional learning today at Pulaski EdTechTeam Custom Summit as much as I did! Looking forward to learning with you all again sometime in the future!