Math Education Needs a Makeover

MATH EDUCATION NEEDS A MAKEOVER!

ABD KARIM ALIAS Centre for Development of Academic Excellence (CDAE)

Universiti Sains Malaysia Photo by Federica Olivieri on Flickr. Abd Karim Alias_2013

Abd Karim Alias_2013

Dan Meyer: Math Class Needs a Makeover


Dan Meyer on Real-World Math Conrad Wolfram - Making Maths Beautiful

How To Make Math Meaningful Math Classes in the Future

Image source: http://bit.ly/STQZBB

Internet is constantly challenging us to RETHINK LEARNING & EDUCATION


Abd Karim Alias@2011

The world as a


Abd Karim Alias@2011

A Global Classroom


Learning resources are available in abundance…!

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iTunes U

New Framework, New Paradigm

> Re-examining the structure of the curriculum,

> Explore innovative delivery methods


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MOOC

The changing scenario of education…!

Education today…in the globalized & connected world…

…is about adapting to changing world. �How and what we teach has to �

change as well.

Challenges ahead…!

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Abd Karim Alias_2013 Photo by Quinn Dombrowski on Flickr

Many students disengage from learning mathematics…

WHY?

Image source: http://science.howstuffworks.com/thinking-cap.htm/

“There is no such thing as an unmotivated student. There are, however, students in

unmotivated states”.

- Eric Jensen


§  Types of E-Learning Technology §  What is rapid E-Learning? §  Rapid E-Learning Processes §  Rapid E-Learning Tools

How do I make Math more exciting…?

interesting

engaging

fun

Yet effective

Image source: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/ Abd Karim Alias_2013

What’s the problem with the traditional way of teaching mathematics?

…the way math is traditionally taught reinforces the idea that it's an

innate talent

Photo by Meg Lauber on Flickr.


The Four Pillars Upon Which the Failure of Math Education Rests*

(and what to do about them)

*Matthew A. Brenner, The Four Pillars Upon Which the Failure of Math Education Rests Abd Karim Alias_2013

The Four Pillars Upon Which the Failure of Math Education Rests*

(and what to do about them)

The approach (not content) of math education is too abstract and decontextualized

Math education conveys rituals and procedures but not understanding

Metacognitive activity is absent in math education

Sociolinguistic obstacles to success in mathematics

Pillar 1

Pillar 2

Pillar 3

Pillar 4

*Matthew A. Brenner, The Four Pillars Upon Which the Failure of Math Education Rests Abd Karim Alias_2013

Math demands creativity, collaboration and discussion more than memorization, drills and just hurrying to get the right answers�

Photo by Yoel Ben-Avraham on Flickr. Abd Karim Alias_2013

What Skills are Useful in Innovation-Driven Societies?

•  Mathematical problem solving

•  Mathematical reasoning

•  Mathematical creativity and critical thinking

•  Mathematical communications

Lower level thinking

Higher level thinking

Generating new ideas, being innovative, viewing things in different ways

Bloom Taxonomy (revised)


Re-examine Curriculum !


We need to redesign our Math courses to clearly build on complimentary skills and emphasize the inter-relatedness of Algebra, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, Geometry, Engineering, Economics, and even Calculus (and even Music, Poetry, History, Art, Architecture, and Philosophy).

Mathematics curricula should be redesigned to highlight and have

students experience the very real everyday applications

Explore new innovative delivery methods


Conventional Approach!

Problem Problem

Problem

Connection to real world

Math Computation Problem

Problem


New Framework !

Number Theory Probability

Algebra

Connection to other subjects

Real World Statistics

Calculus




Changing the paradigm…

A teacher can only guide & facilitate; learning & exploring is done entirely by the student

Lecture is not about giving content! …

Image source: http:// sciencebhakta.wordpress.com

3 years at USM

Lifelong learning

Memorable & meaningful learning experiences

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Experiential learning

Collaborative learning

Immersive learning

Problem-based learning

Blended learning

Enquiry-based learning


Cooperative learning

Any educator should master three types of knowledge: !


1.  content knowledge—knowledge of the facts, principles and methods in the discipline that is being taught,

2.  pedagogical knowledge—understanding of the learning process and the conditions that facilitate and hinder it, independent of the discipline in which the learning takes place, and

3.  pedagogical content knowledge—to denote knowledge and understanding of the learning process in the context of a particular discipline.

35 Image source: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/

•  Class periods are too short

•  Not enough time for questioning & reflecting

•  Not enough time for interaction & discussion

•  Less opportunity for active learning

Shortcomings of traditional classroom


Empower your students!

Photo by Hamad Al_Mohanna on Flickr

Eric Mazur says learning interests him far more than

teaching, and he encourages a shift from "teaching" to "helping

students learn."

Photo by Center for Teaching Vanderbilt University on Flickr

The best way to learn is to teach!

Peer teaching

Peer-assisted learning

Peer instruction


Examples of classroom activity

•  Group discussion

•  Idea exploration

•  Interactive questioning

•  Quiz/Poll

•  Problem solving

•  Presentation/Role play

•  Demonstration

•  Case study/scenario

•  Story telling

•  Gaming

40 Image source: http://bit.ly/SZvteB

Role of

Technology

Image source: http://bit.ly/PK39OX

Internet is constantly challenging us to RETHINK LEARNING & EDUCATION.


Technology is NOT a SILVER BULLET…


When we use technology it must be in a way that enhances what

we are doing…


Image source: http://bit.ly/PK39OX

Reinforce foundation

Remedial

Procedural


Use technology to:

> Conceptual,

> Contextual

Optimize classroom time for…


48 Abd Karim Alias@2011

Use technology to produce digital learning resources

Optimizing

On average the concentration span of an adult is < 20 min

Did you know…?


Deliver the essence of the lecture in < 20 min

Condense 50 min face-to-face lecture to…

10 to 15 min video…

Does it make sense?

Optimizing


– Watch, Practice


What is Classroom?


What is Classroom?

•  Reverse instruction

•  Pre-recorded lecture (10 to 15 min) made available online

•  Lecture delivered on demand

•  Class time is reserved for elaboration, discussion, reflection, activities


What is Classroom?

•  Flipped classroom is NOT about video or technology

•  It is about effective use of classroom time

•  It allows teacher to engage students in more collaboration and discussion

•  Construct learning together


Making Classroom Effective

•  Recorded lecture < 20 min

•  Available on demand

•  Viewed prior to f2f lecture

•  Well structured programme

•  Integrate with learning activities in social media (e.g., Edmodo)

•  Integrate with learning activities in classroom


Advantages of Classroom

•  More effective active learning •  The teacher role is strengthen •  Time is used more efficiently •  More face-to-face time (interactivity) •  Peer learning is enhanced •  Differentiated instruction •  Greater control of content delivery •  Assimilation of knowledge can be

observed •  Learn on demand


to Create Screencast

•  Computer (desktop, laptop, tablet) •  External mic (for high quality audio) •  Webcam (optional) •  Internet access •  Software/App


to Create Screencast

Free web-based tools

Free/low cost app for Tablet

Commercial software

JING

SCREENFLOW


MATH EDUCATION@USM!

Photo by Meg Lauber on Flickr.


Let’s have a larger sense of purpose…not simply…teaching!

Math Education Needs a Makeover

Education

Transcript of Math Education Needs a Makeover