EDU330 Elementary Mathematics - 6th September 2010 (C)

In fact, from the moment we received this environment task, we were already exercising our problem solving skills! Initially, it may not be mathematical when we were merely sourcing for items suitable for the task, it became a real math problem solving task when we tried to figure out how we can produce a workable product.

We made use of a checked metal gate from a building nearby to act as the base for our problem solving game whereby two children input numbers from 0 to 9 onto the metal gate template to form number-bonding relations. Due to time constraint, we could only formulate a template which involves the two easier operations - addition and subtraction. The difficulty of the game could be increased for older children by introducing the other two operations of whole numbers.

On second thought, we could have used the squares on the metal gate to teach multiplication facts too, such as 3 x 2 = 6;  3 x 3 = 9  ;)

Meanwhile, I personally feel that a person's exposure and past experiences are also important aspects of how well he or she can problem-solve.

EDU330 Elementary Mathematics - Chapter 1 & 2 (A)

When it comes to mathematics, I could still remember an important statement given by my math teacher when I was in primary school more than two decades ago which contributed to my interest in numbers until this day. That is, "Mathematics is the ONLY subject you can score full marks!" Nevertheless, it has to be accompanied with practice, practice, and practice ;)

However, it was only until today that I realized there were so much theory behind that statement she made! Among the many standards and principles, I strongly agree that it is important that teachers regularly reflect on what and how they teach, apart from the need to have a profound, flexible, and adaptive knowledge of mathematics content.

In conclusion, I personally feel that mathematics is all about making a person THINK, critically and creatively. In addition, it provides an avenue for developing persistency - in order to find out the 'truth' to a problem, that person must 'hang on' until he or she finds the solution. 

EDU330 Elementary Mathematics - 1st September 2010 (B)

Among the three holiday games taught tonight, I personally prefer the 'take 1 or 2 problem' as it provides more opportunities for brain 'sparring' ;) On the other hand, I felt that the other two games were just as great but may not be as challenging for adults after repeated attempts. Nevertheless, I learnt something new about the dice tonight :) In addition, these games are perfect for primary school children given their 'know a little, don't know a little' mentality :D

By the way, I have already notified my P1 daughter that I will be playing mathematic games with her tomorrow morning ;)