Week 9

Using manipulative in Math should not end in elementary school. "Math Manipulatives in the Upper Grades" suggests hands on activities is just as useful for middle and high schoolers as it is for elementary students. If students understand what it means to find the greatest common factor by actually seeing it, and they can come up with their own formulas for area and perimeter by actually drawing and mainuplating, then the concepts will make better sense.

"Math Refreshers for Teachers" is on target as it describes the fact that upper grade teachers may find gaps in their content knowledge. If so, there are many resources available. Always consider the use of the text book, professional organizations, colleagues and community college courses. It is only natural to have to "brush up" on your skills. The better teacher will make the effort to close those gaps!

"Asking Questions that Count" describes the need to ask higher order thinking questions. If students are plainly asked, "what is the slope of the line?" There is a one word answer that does not give them the opportunity to think, rationalize, or analyze. Asking questions that forces them to manipulate data and see things through another angle will better prepare students to become independent thinkers. Just like anything else, this takes lots of practice.

Week 8

With word processing and publishing technology we have to consider the changes in literacy and how it should be taught in schools. This article continues to support the need for revision by teachers and not the word processor along. Students should formally be taught how to use the word processor and other publishing tools. The use of a processor does not eliminate the process of writing a good paper. It only adds to the refinement. Sometimes I wonder if it is even necessary to teach children how to write in cursive. I notice many of my 7th graders have horrific handwriting. They have lack of practice. Every paper they write is typed. What does it do for their spelling they have have spell checker? I believe this comes down to the formal instruction and expectations from teachers.