What is mathematics?

What assumptions do you hold about mathematics? In class we will spend a great deal of time thinking, talking, and challenging what mathematics might be, and the impact that traditional definitions have on us as learners. Using Lakoff and Nunez's notion of the mythology that surrounds math, (what they refer to as 'the romance of mathematics') we will look at traditional notions of mathematics and bump it up against a reconceptualized view. Figuring out our own positioning towards mathematics is critical to becoming a reflective teacher of mathematics. What part of the romance do you believe? How does what you think about mathematics affect how you teach it?

Your next blog entry shall focus on the nature of mathematics. What, for you, are the big ideas? How, if at all, have your beliefs about mathematics shifted? What is it that you will need to know, to read, to figure out, to study to gain a better understanding of the nature of mathematics as something that might be a living discipline, a human activity?

Reuben Hersh is an American mathematician who has written extensively about mathematics. He takes up his ideas from What is Mathematics, Really? in the following interview that I would like you to read: What Kind of Thing Is a Number? A Talk with Reuben Hersh Be sure to click on THE TALK at the bottom of the page to read the entire interview. He delves into his view of mathematics, the teaching of mathematics, and how our stance towards mathematics impacts how and what we teach.

Please also work your way through Chapter 2, if you have not yet done so to help you with your thinking. Put some thought into this blog entry. Remember, this work is not for me to check off a list, but to help you become informed about the discipline that you will be expected to make come alive with children. Looking forward to reading and hearing your ideas.

Important links for you

Here is the site for the WNCP Common Curriculum Framework K-9 Mathematics that was developed and published in May 2006. Eventually, the NL curriculum documents will all be re-written to reflect this document.

Please begin to make yourself familiar with the written curriculum. WNCP is already used in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut Territory, Yukon Territory, and Northwest Territories.

The Companion Website for our text is also something you need to become familiar with. Please take some time and check out the web links for each of the chapters as we work through them as well as the black line masters.

Math Curse

I hope you enjoyed Math Curse, the award winning children's picture book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith and published by Viking.

There is so much you can do with this book, as we discussed on Thursday. The fun begins when Mrs. Fibonacci tells the class, "You know, you can think of almost everything as a math problem...."

ISBN-10: 0670861944
ISBN-13: 978-0670861941

Do Schools Kill Creativity?

Great to see all of you yesterday. Here is the link to the talk we viewed and discussed yesterday:

Do Schools Kill Creativity?



Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures creativity, rather than undermining it. He challenges the way we look at education and children.

So what does this mean for you, as a future primary/elementary teacher, with regards to teaching and in particular with regards to teaching mathematics to children?

Follow this Blog

Remember that blogs are done in reverse chronological order, so you will need to scroll down to read my postings to you.

It is most helpful for you to add your blog to mine by clicking on the "follow this blog" link on the right hand side of my blog. That way I will have direct access to your blog, as will everyone else. If you have a duplicate name, please be sure to include a last initial (or two!)

See you on Tuesday morning.

Hi everyone. It was nice to meet you today. As discussed in class, I would like you to create your blog before next class. Go to Blogger to create your free blog. It might be helpful to include a small photo of yourself on your blog profile but this is not required.

Please be sure to start with a welcome post that explains the purpose of your blog - which is a place for you to reflect on your work in our course - and to give a short introduction of yourself.

Your first real post of substance is your mathematics autobiography. Please create a post where you reflect on your own learning of mathematics in school.

Rationale: Many people have difficulty remembering their mathematics education in primary/elementary grades. In order to begin to study the teaching of mathematics to children it is important to revisit your own education in mathematics. it is necessary to reflect on your assumptions, emotions, and nostalgia surrounding your experiences and to critically examine them. Consider the following:

• What did mathematics in your classroom look like (kindergarten-grade 6)? Be descriptive.
• What is your best and/or worst memory surrounding mathematics in primary and elementary? How has this affected your views about mathematics now as an adult?
• Were you 'good' or 'not good' at math? How did you know this?
• What was the role of the teacher in your math classes? How do you think they felt about mathematics?
• What did assessment look like?
• Tell briefly about math in high school.
• What math courses did you take in university?
• Did you take any math electives?
• Do you / did you engage with mathematics in your life in major ways?
• How do you feel about mathematics now?

Welcome to Math Education at Memorial University

Thanks for stopping by. This blog is intended for students in Education 3940 with Professor Mary Cameron. You are welcome to follow our blog if you find it helpful in your work or study.