Weekly Report & Reflection Blog Week #4

In my exploration of decimals, I learned that I have been reading/speaking decimals incorrectly. One of the points that the text makes is that when reading a decimal such as 0.34, we are to read it as thirty-four hundredths. However, I have always read it as zero decimal (or point) three four. According to the text, this is the improper way to read decimals. By reading it the way I do, I am slipping away from the understanding of decimals being an equivalent of a fraction. As I reflect on how I read decimals, I think about the example the text gives about reading money. Now, I am left to wonder if this is where I began reading decimals incorrectly. Hopefully now that I am conscious of this error, I will be able to correctly discuss decimal values.

These tools will be useful in my educational activities because it has to do with self-reflection. Prior to reading these chapters, I would not have realized that I was reading decimals incorrectly. Therefore, I can use decimals and fractions combined in educational activities to teach students how the two relate. This may help students learn one concept more quickly once they grasp the other, as well as teach students the proper way to read decimals.

The uses of fractions and decimals are to describe something that is being divided into parts. There is help available online for students to learn how the two relate. My investigation involved exploring Great Games, which is an online gaming site that helps students solve mathematical equations for different units. I explored “Puppy Chase” which involves the computer showing you a fraction, and you would have a multiple choice question where you have to determine what the decimal value for the fraction is. I envision using the tool as a math refresher to contribute to my work in building my mathematical knowledge.

Furthermore, I explored further into Great Games after attempting a game that another student found online. This game is called “Meteor Multiplication”. The game deals with meteors that have multiplication questions written on them. The missile that blows up the meteors has an answer written on it. For each answer, you have to blow up the meteor that has the multiplication equation on it. This is a useful tool that you can use in an educational activity because it teaches students how to use mental math. Due to the nature of the game, you only have a limited amount of time to blow up the meteor equation. This does not leave time to use a calculator or use pencil-and-paper method, therefore forcing game players to utilize their mental math skills. Therefore, this game can develop a student’s mental math abilities, making this skill set stronger.

Lastly, the text reveals different principles and algorithms for both units. This is beneficial to learn and reflect on as a future teacher because it teaches you that there are multiple ways to solve mathematical problems. Some of your students will solve mathematical problems differently than others, and the text reveals the different ways of problem solving. In addition, understanding the differing principles and algorithms demonstrates a gain in your mathematical knowledge because it shows an understanding of whatever unit you are working on.

Resources:

Puppy Chase

Meteor Multiplication