Tag: Technology
Coding for All?
Some time ago, I argued that computer programming is a literacy, because it enhances learning in other disciplines, especially math. It is not nearly as important as reading and writing, which apply to all subjects, or as math, which applies to all sciences. But given the place of the computer in modern life, and the… Continue reading Coding for All?
Programming and Math Education
Some responses on Twitter made me realize I was probably not clear in yesterday's post where I argued that computer programming is a kind of literacy. Some people say that students should be exposed to computer science because that's where the jobs will be in the future. There may be some validity to that, but… Continue reading Programming and Math Education
Literacies
I've been known to argue that computer programming (a.k.a. "coding") is a new literacy. In this post, I'll try to clarify why, and discuss some implications. First, let's define our terms. On what grounds can school subjects be classified as a kind of literacy? I can think of two criteria. * The first criterion is… Continue reading Literacies
How To
I am often asked "what is the best way to teach equation solving?" (or graphing, or factoring, etc.) Conversely, teachers often want to share with me what they deem the best way to teach students how to do certain things. These conversations are based on a widely-held belief that our job as math teachers is… Continue reading How To
Geometric Construction for Middle School
If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that I'm a big fan of geometric construction. I have written about it here more than once, and my Web site includes quite a bit of curriculum involving construction. See the end of the post for additional links. I have many reasons for this… Continue reading Geometric Construction for Middle School
Spirograph
Geoboard Triangles
One way to discover or apply the formula for the area of a triangle is to explore area on the geoboard. The initial activities should be along the lines suggested in my Geometry Labs Lab 8.4. (Free download.)After that, one can zero in on triangles, by asking a question like: "Find triangles of area 15."… Continue reading Geoboard Triangles
About Hints, the sequel
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the use of hints in the math classroom. I just reread that post, and stand by what I wrote. I admit that my very last sentence (in the PS) was perhaps a bit snarky, and I'll try to elaborate on it in this post.What is prompting me to… Continue reading About Hints, the sequel
Constant Sums, Constant Products
I just cleaned up an existing page on my Web site: Constant Sums, Constant Products, "an untraditional approach to traditional topics". This is a mega-unit, spanning content from middle school, all the way to what one might call "teachers' mathematics." Take a look at it on a summer day when you have a little time… Continue reading Constant Sums, Constant Products
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