Math+and+the+Image+of+the+Learner

Math and the Image of the Learner: A Pre-PD Summary of the Current Research and Reports High school teachers are faced everyday with a daunting challenge - to educate the minds of adolescents. Day in and day out we are confounded and surprised with the behaviour, learning skills and knowledge that our students bring to the table. How can we, as educators understand the needs of the adolescent learner? What factors influence the mind of the teenage mathematician? How does their brain work? Our next PD session will tackle these and many more questions about the educational needs of our students.

Imagine walking into a school on a daily basis wondering whether or not today is the day you will be accepted by your peers. Trying to just survive the day is a task many students face each day as they enter their school. A classroom must be a peaceful and comfortable place where students feel welcome before any learning can even take place. Secondly, learning environments that will produce optimal education all tend to focus on information that is meaningful and affects the learner emotionally. It is the types of questions we pose to our students that will allow for engagement and best learning to take place. These questions must require the learner to think critically when given a problematic situation. These steps will allow our students to enhance their level of learning which is ultimately the goal in mind.
 * Creating Brain Compatible Learning Environments**

It is crucial for educators to understand and foster the needs of adolescent students. We, as teachers, must reflect student developmental stages in our lessons in order to maximize student success. Students learn in a variety of ways (listening, doing etc). Incorporate appropriate teaching techniques in the classroom to improve learning and interest. Create a safe environment for students with opportunities to discuss and investigate different ways of doing math. Improving a student's self-confidence in math is just as important as their overall achievement. A positive learning experience is about making connections between mathematics and every day life. When have you been successful at recognizing the developmental stages of your students? How do you create appropriate learning environments within your classroom? Factors (other than instruction) Affecting the Junior Math Learner **, from Teaching and Learning Mathematics, 2004. Research demonstrates that the student’s socio-economic experience, gender, language and cultural differences, special needs and mathematical foundation are all background factors that can affect a student’s success in learning math. As well, the student’s peers and parents/guardians influence the student’s attitude towards math, these important players in the student's life can provide positive or negative models and pressure. Ultimately a student's attitude towards math is inextricably linked to his/her mathematical capacity. Fortunately, negative attitudes can change through positive experiences. Have you as a teacher observed a student change his or her attitude towards math? Why did the change occur and what were the results?
 * Needs of Adolescent Learners,** from Leading Math Success p26-28
 * 

The three significant elements to learning mathematics are developmental aspects of learning, building on children’s prior and intuitive knowledge of mathematics, and learning by doing and talking. Children go through stages of conceptual development that can be identified especially when there is individual variation from child to child. Concepts must be approached in an appropriate manner and time. Teachers must be able ask themselves how general guidelines can be provided to develop conceptual understanding. In order for students to make sense of the world mathematically at an early age, prior knowledge and skills need to be recognized. Students will assimilate and accommodate new knowledge. Learning will also be impacted by linguistic, cultural and community backgrounds. How can students be motivated and engaged to see math as sensible? Furthermore, young children learn by “doing, talking and reflecting on their actions”. It is important to give students the opportunity to solve problems in multiple ways using various strategies. One must remember that children come to school with “intuitive mathematical understanding”. The Mysteries of the Teenage Brain ** from The Walrus Journal Why are teenagers the way they are? Why can't they be more like adults? Are hormones to blame? While hormones do play a factor in the actions of teens, brain imaging expert Jay Giedd claims that the ever evolving teenage brain plays a major role. The brain continues to adapt, reform and evolve throughout the teenage years, and the knowledge and cell connections that survive may be highly dependent on the guiding influences of parents and teachers alike. Giedd's detailed MRI research gives insight into the mysteries of teenage emotional responses, sleep habits, substance abuse problems and the risks they take in their quest to develop an independent identity.
 * Early Math Strategy**
 * 

We looking forward to your participation in the PD. There will be an informational session, followed by open discussion time. Feel free to bring resources to share with your colleagues.