Source: Timothy, M. (2005). Effects of
Preservice Teachers’ Math Literacy in a Tutorial Field Experience. Retrieved
from http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/journal/default.htm
Abstract: Mathematics education has shifted from
only teaching symbols and the how of computations, to understanding and
communicating the underlying concepts. With this shift, preservice teachers
have become uncomfortable in their ability to teach students. Given guidelines
and the experience to tutor one-on-one with individual students, preservice
teachers grew in their confidence and moved away from the idea that mathematics
is simply given to the student and then practiced. They expressed that there is
a benefit and a need to teach mathematics using games, discussion, and other
non-traditional methods.
My Thoughts: The implications of this article were
more profound to me than the article itself. It seems that the more time
teachers spend with students really getting to understand where they struggle,
the more they realize that there is a need for varied instruction. The more
students are able to write, communicate, and reason, the better they
understand.
~~~~~
Source: Kester Phillips, D. C., Bardsley, M.,
Bach, T., & Gibb-Brown, K. (2009). "BUT I TEACH MATH!' THE JOURNEY OF
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TEACHERS AND LITERACY COACHES LEARNING TO INTEGRATE
LITERACY STRATEGIES INTO THE MATH INSTRUCTION. Education, 129(3), 467-472.
Abstract: Mathematics is it’s own language with
its own symbols, syntax, and vocabulary. This particular language is rarely
taught explicitly. Math teachers were teamed up with literacy coaches to analyze
where they might be able to utilize each other. They found that literacy and
mathematics are very interconnected and that students need literacy to develop
in mathematics. It also helped teachers realize that connections can be dawn
between content areas to help student really get a good understanding.
My Thoughts: I liked seeing how math and literacy
are connected. This article really gave me a good idea of how I can utilize
literacy in my teaching. It also gave me a starting point for how I should be
teaching mathematics. The model that they go through to analyze where they need
more emphasis on literacy was also useful.
~~~~~
Source: Spitler, E. (2011). From Resistance to
Advocacy for Math Literacy: One Teacher's Literacy Identity Transformation. Journal Of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 55(4), 306-315. doi:10.1002/JAAL.00037
Abstract: Content teachers are often resistant to incorporating literacy strategies, thinking that literacy isn’t important in their subject. For the one teacher that is being followed in this article, he came to realize that literacy has everything to do with conveying the content to the student. Literacy is the mode in which mathematics is taught. By allowing his students the opportunity to increase their literacy, he was then increasing their ability to do mathematics automatically.
My Thoughts: I thought that this article talked
more about establishing a community in the classroom than literacy. I like the
idea of asking students to think about and analyze how they read (use reading
strategies) and learn and then build from that to teach literacy strategies
that will make them more effective.
You found some great resources and I hope this will be just the beginning point to your reading and researching in your own field. As you continue to discover resources for your teaching, you should add to your blog because it’s surprising how quickly we lose the references to the things we tell ourselves we will remember. I hope it was a valuable experience for you to see the professional conversation that is going on in your field in regard to teaching in your discipline and incorporating literacy. With the advent of the Common Core, I think you’ll find that the conversation is only beginning and will continue to grow. Perhaps you’ll even find something you are passionate about and will add to it.
ReplyDelete