I had my first embarrassing moment in class yesterday where I could not complete a problem for the students during the class time. The problem dealt with 4 families at a sporting even and ordering popcorn from the vendor. The first family buys half of the bags the vendor has plus one extra bag. The second family buys half of the remaining plus one extra bag. The third family does the same as does the fourth family. In the end, the fourth family buys 2 bags of popcorn. The question was how many bags did each family buy.
Well, I had the answers and after seeing the answers, I could see how they made sense, but I could not come up with an equation that would allow me to solve the equation. I have always struggled with these type of problems, from my middle school classes on up through college. There is something about these problems that stumps me every time I get to them. Well, I couldn't finish the problem during the class time, so I started working on it after class.
It took me about 15 minutes to complete the problem, and the algebra throughout the problem is extremely nasty for and 8th grade class. So I believe I am working the problem the long and hard way, but it still works. I feel there must be another way to work the problem, an easier way. I actually told the students that if the can come up with a formal proof of the problem, I would give them bonus points. We'll see how that goes.
I almost feel that I have hit a slow point in my teacher development. I know it is still early, but I feel that my class has become predictable and almost boring for my students. I struggle to think of activities that would make the class more interesting. I have been using manipulatives, but it seems the students are non-responsive and bored. I am almost second guessing my abilities as a teacher because I do not feel that I am making the class interesting on a daily basis.
I would like to see other Math classes and I think I may do that with the high school math teacher. I may ask if I can observe him once or twice to see what he is doing and how he is presenting the information. I would really like to see if the way I run my class is similar to the way he runs his class. A little more guidance at times throughout the school would be welcome.
Aaron
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Hi Aaron--
Well, you are getting into that part of the new teacher experience called "survival and disillusionment." We all go through this. Making a mistake in front of the class happens, and it probably seems like a bigger deal to you than it was to the students. I have been worried about you in terms of political violence over there---
Dr. Cheryl,
I am definitely learning new things about teaching everyday. One of the main challenges right now is getting all my students to speak English all of the time. Its getting much better, but still a challenge with some students. I'm pulling strategies from other teachers to help with this.
The violence with Cambodia and the temple is far enough away that I am not affected by that. I doubt that will spread too far, but we'll see.
The violence with the Prime Minister and PAD (the protesters) is actually far from me as well. I have not seen any effects of that in my daily life with the lone exception of a few days off of school.
Interesting thing is that the current Prime Minister is the brother-in-law of the Prime Minister that was removed two years ago. When I heard that, I figured the current Prime Minister would not be in power long because the PAD would not want him in office. Sure enough, in such a timely fashion, the current PM has some charges from 10 years ago that just happened to re-surface and could possible force his removal from office.
From my understanding, this political turmoil will continue until the PAD (who are actually a group of very wealthy and affluent members of Bangkok's "High Society") have a PM that they want in office.
Despite what you may hear on the news about it being dangerous in Bangkok, I am very much safe. I have never once felt unsafe in this city since coming here.
I think I am going to apply for IWU's MEd Online Program to being in February. It may be busy, but if I enter the program then, I will be able complete it before I am finished with my contract here in Bangkok.
Aaron
Post a Comment