Curiosity is key to learning mathematics and it is curiosity I try to encourage every day. My students are a diverse group of 9th and 10th graders who range from those who feel challenged just coming to class every day to those who request more challenges every day. Some of my students are economically disadvantaged, some struggle with support at home, and some are dealing with just the realities of life. But all have the energy to become learners and explore how they learn and think in different ways.
"It makes me think in a different way!" Those are the words I heard from my high school algebra student as we began using technology to explore mathematics.
To hear these words and realize students are learning a new way of thinking lets me know I've accomplished my goal. Mathematics is a mixed bag for so many students and my goal is to help each student accomplish his or her own personal best.
My Project
All learning is about the approach...students want to know why and how and when they are going to use something. This can often be tough in mathematics because some of the mathematics goes beyond a student's current comprehension of how math is used. My efforts focus on creating curiosity so that students can focus on the more rigorous learning involved in answering the why of mathematics. IPads provide a unique learning experience in that students can access information quickly, explore sites based on individual interests, and easily share information with group members. The iPads with protectors are rugged enough to be used everyday and hold up will with teens in a crowded classroom.
"Don't tell me the answer, I will figure it out!" is a refrain I've heard often now that I've introduced more technology into the classroom.
Students can use the iPads to play competitive games using Kahoot, they can use Desmos to learn about graphs in real-world situations, and they can research mathematical concepts to answer the "why" questions that they are encouraged to ask. With iPads, explanations are at their fingertips and students know they can become the experts on anything they wish. To their surprise, they've also learned there is more than one way to explain a concept so persistence grows as they don't give up as easily. More students can feel successful with the quick access i-pads provide and they begin to approach learning with the curiosity needed to drive their own success.
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