First Class...

12 August 2013

First Class…

Today is the first class for the module EDU 330 Elementary Mathematics. I was looking forward to learn more about math.

Here are some of the things that I learnt in class today:

ü  Children learn mathematics in many ways

1.       Through visualization

2.       Looking for patterns and generalisation

3.       Number sense

4.       Metacognition

ü  3 ways of teaching

1.       Learning through exploration

2.       Scaffolding/Prompting/Questioning

3.       Teaching by role modeling

Through these ways of teaching, it helps children to construct knowledge. Children learn best by constructing knowledge and not by giving information. This is because knowledge last but information can be forgotten.

ü  Jerome Bruner’s CPA Approach

           C – Concrete

-          Children first learn to construct knowledge by having concrete materials to explore with

P – Pictorial

-          Children will move on in constructing knowledge through pictorial aid

A – Abstract

-          Children will be able to construct knowledge and problem solve through abstract methods. For example by using symbols like numbers etc.