Unit1: Why should we connect?
Lesson 1: Why should we connect ?
Introduction
In this unit, you will have a chance to examine a study correlating student success to teachers' awareness and knowledge of depth and connections of mathematical topics. Next, you will have an opportunity to review a few simple, key topics and brainstorm initial lesson plan ideas to connect these foundations to. You, the participant, will be provided with the Common Core standards and choose three topics to focus on throughout the entire course.
Objective
By the end of this unit participants will be able to:
- Understand why it is important to connect new mathematical topics, specifically geometry, to prior knowledge
- Connect foundation geometry topics to other topics that would sequentially follow in a course sequence
- Choose three geometry topics from the Common Core Standards to connect to fundamental topics
Investigation
Read the following article about the importance of a teacher's knowledge of the content and connections between topics when teaching geometry. In your learning journal answer the following questions:
- Why must a teacher have a thorough knowledge of mathematics and connections in order to teach effectively?
- Why is it important to teach geometry in an integrated fashion with connections to previous topics and authentic learning tasks?
- How can the sequence of a yearly course be planned to provide an environment for optimal learning?
"One of the practical implications of this study is that it suggest placing targeted emphasis n the development of teachers' knowledge of concepts and connections while providing content focused professional development specifically designed to improve student achievement." (Tchschanov, 2011)
Relationship between teacher knowledge of concepts and connections, teaching practice, and student achievement in middle grades mathematics.Educational Studies In Mathematics by: Tchoshanov, M.A. File:Geometry connections.pdf
Build the Foundation
Watch the following video as a review of the foundations of geometry. http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Video.aspx?VideoID=29805&CategoryID=146
Taking two or three of the terms introduced in the Basics of Geometry video, identify "the next" geometry lesson a student could receive after learning the basics introduced in the video.
- Develop an objective for the lesson
- Identify the connection to the basic terms of geometry
- Brainstorm ideas for authentic tasks the students must perform to apply the skill
Application
Review the geometry common core standards; specifically the Congruence Domain. http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Content/HSG/GPE
In your learning journal:
- Identify three areas of your current curriculum that could be better connected to other concepts you teach
- Mention how you could connect these concepts to more fundamental geometry concepts
References
Tchoshanov, M. A. (2011). Relationship between teacher knowledge of concepts and connections, teaching practice, and student achievement in middle grades mathematics.Educational Studies In Mathematics, 76(2), 141-164.
Ten Marks. (2011) 'Basics of Geometry.' (Retrieved from wattchknowlearn.org)