Module Five

Grant Proposal and Technology Integration Idea:

I am working closely with the Math, Science, and Physical Education departments on planning geocaching teams.  Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices.  The students on the teams will navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (a type of container) hidden at that specific location.  This will incorporate almost every subject that we teach here at Sherrard Middle School.  We are very excited to see if and how this will play out.  This activity is not only using real-world situations, but it would incorporate skills including map reading, problem solving, creative thinking, and countless opportunities to teach mathematics - which means the most to me considering I am a math teacher.

Chapter Nine:

I absolutely agree that schools need to reflect real-life situations.  For instance, just this week I was reviewing (aka re-teaching) area and circumference of circles.  I noticed that if my students had simple circles in front of them, they were decent at coming up with the answers.  For example, if they are given "If the diameter of a circle is 5 feet, what is the circumference?" - They could easily put the diameter into a formula (diameter times pi = circumference) and come up with the answer.  However, when I gave them problems like "Judy has a circular garden.  She wants to place fencing around the outside of the garden.  She has a fountain in the center of the garden.  The distance from the fountain to the edge of the garden is six feet.  How much fencing will she need for the garden?" They freak out because they did not see "The diameter is... or The radius is... Nor did they have a perfect question like "What is the circumference?"  They had to put words into math and come up with a solution on their own.  These kids need to be taught the standards, yes, however, they need to be taught in a way that they will actually use it in real life.  They need to stop with the basic worksheets and drills.  This is simply a teaching technique as opposed to an assessment technique.  That is why we are all so excited about out geocaching grant.  We know that we are using so much real life in so many different subject matters.

Chapter Ten:

The story of Clark Hall is basically a new way for schools to function and be structured in the new Digital Age.  This story reflects on the way that the school can be a comfortable space for learning.  This space should also provide choices for each student.  Learning should be more fun and enjoyable for the students.  Also, it should make time more flexible for each student.  Due to the digital age, this school should utilize technology more and use the teachers more as facilitators in a process of learning.  Also, more projects should be used to assess as opposed to worksheets and assignments.

When I reflect on my school and my classroom in particular, I feel that we are slowly moving in this direction.  The comfort level of the school is still the old fashion desks and tables; however, the emotional comfort level I try to make as peaceful as possible.  I give as many choices as I can.  I know that there are many ways to get to the correct answer of a math problem.  Also, so many students learn in different ways.  Therefore, I teach every possible way that I can think of in hopes that at least one of those ways will stick.  I catch myself saying - I do not care HOW you get the answer, as long as it is correct! When it comes to technology, I utilize it to my fullest extent; however, that is not a lot! With all of the standards as a seventh grade math teacher that I need to reach - it is difficult to incorporate as much technology as I would like.  However, when it comes to being a facilitator - I do try my very hardest to make sure that my students are coming up with answers on their own.  My favorite technique would have to be using inquiry.  "Ms. Crow, how do I get this answer?" - "Well, what information do you know? How can I begin to solve this? What is the question asking?" They know when they come to me with a question that they are most likely not going to receive an answer - just a probing question.