Today's session was abut multiplicative thinking, fractions and decimals and measurement.
I was particularly interested in using visual representatives and materials to teach multiplying fractions. Historically, I have taught a rule for solving fraction multiplication such as 1/2 x 1/3 however, as was pointed out to us, only teaching the rule does not enable the kids to develop a conceptual understanding of what actually happens to the fraction when multiplying them. Much like teaching algorithms for whole number multiplication, children could complete the steps but didn't understand why it worked. In the coming weeks I'll be endeavouring to use materials and visual representatives to teach the multiplication of fractions in the hopes my children will develop their conceptual understanding of it.
Kia ora Rob,
ReplyDeleteWe are all guilty of teaching rules for multiplying fractions because that is how we were taught. It wasn’t till I did a postgrad maths paper and learnt about materials and the importance of them that I personally made the connection or conceptual understanding. I am looking forward to hearing how the materials go in your lessons.
Mathegon and the polypad tools are great. There are lots of different templates and lessons. It is worthwhile having a good look around the site.
Have a great holiday and I will see you on day 7 of MPI.
Donna