Wednesday, December 2, 2009

MATHS FOR REAL


Many times I have got the impression of teaching maths only for skill. Well, for some people who were raised in that kind of situation, I will not give my argument. However, our kids today live in the era of gadgets, games and gold.

As 21st century teacher, I have my own big question. When I transfer the concept and assist the kids to "play" with the skills, what is my expectation?
Honestly, my expectation is only one. I want the students to apply the skills. I do not want the students end up with the knowledge but not the application. It is true that the way the students deliver their understanding onto their application work is different depending on their own level of understanding. We do not have to worry that the kids whose level of understanding is lower, will not survive in the future. The kids have their ability as students which is to see, observe, re-think and re-do. I believe all adults (parents) have that kind of experience. Adults might be afraid that the kids will fail and feel useless. They won't.

This is a picture of learning about the area of rectangle in application of a parking lot. The students learned how to divide a piece of land into a parking lot complete with the arrangement and the income. I believe, the application of skills presented in this project will make the a better practitioner in the future.

blessing,

hugo