Friday, 03/11/2011

Let's make a Fermi Problem using Power Point

Viruses of Math Class

1. Lack of initiative

2. Lack of perseverance

3. Lack of retention

4. Aversion to word problems

5. Eagerness for formula

Math Reasoning / Patient Problem Solving:

1.     Start with a visual and immediately ask the question that can be argued over and creates a conversation that leads to 2 answers (friend vs. friend, groups of students, journaling, whatever)

2.     Make sub-labels of the graphic (measurements, numbers, etc.) for even more discussion and introduce more details about the questions and narrowing the focus of the possible answers.

3.     Introduce the mathematical structure of the question (formula)

4.     Most math classes are designed around giving students problems and expecting correct answers.  They miss the key part of adding student involvement in the formulation of the problem.  Einstein once said that,“The formulation of a problem is often more essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill.”

5.     Focus on taking the compelling elements of your current math text and have the students rebuild them in a way that supports math reasoning / patient solving.

Example:  Take a water tank and see how long it takes to fill it up.

a. Let the students develop the sub-steps that are needed to figure out the solution. 

b. Don’t use distracters (only provide the most basic information let the students decide if the height or width or length is important) and always provide a vivid photo/video of the problem (something that is true-to-life or “the real deal” because this baits the student hook).  Students will engage with things they can relate to and they won’t wait for the smart kid to answer all the questions…leveling the playing field due to personal intuition.  If you have video…you can also find the answer to the question at the end of the video (time code).  Sometimes the theoretical doesn’t match up with the practical and answers can sometime vary from the answers in the back of the book.

Redefine Math:

1.     Use media.

2.     Encourage student intuition.

3.     Ask the shortest questions you can and let the longer questions come out during the conversation about the problem.

4.     Let students build the problem.

5.     Be less helpful and let students become patient problem solvers.