Homework 14
Reflections on Learning
Working through and learning about teaching Baker’s Choice as a unit was a very unique experience. I loved the high level thinking required in every problem. In previous classes, the math was presented as factual and black and white. The teacher would show us how to do a problem and we would copy. I always enjoyed this style of teaching because I never had a problem replicating my teacher’s work. I also always remember wanting to know why things worked and why my answer was correct but silencing that part of my brain because all that was important was getting the correct answer. After going through Bakers Choice I have a new appreciation for understanding mathematical problems. There is so much importance in having students understand why the math they are doing is correct and not just that they are getting the correct answer. I also thought that the way the problems were presented in Baker’s Choice were new and refreshing. At first I found them intentionally vague and annoying because I was not told specifically what to do. After completing the work throughout the book, I now appreciate how the vagueness of the problems was put there intentionally to allow for free thinking from each student creating multiple angles and ways to understand the problem.
I think that I now understand linear programing in a new way after completing Baker’s Choice. I have created a much deeper understanding through talking with peers as well as spending time alone working through the problems. In the beginning, I was slightly frustrated with the activities and problems because I was left with more questions than answers. I am leaving Baker’s Choice with some of the same feelings, but also with an appreciation for those feelings because I now see the value that they will have on a student’s mathematical learning and understanding. I hope to be able to help my future students understand math in a way that is personally interesting and relevant to them. I want to use problems like these in my classroom to help facilitate high level thinking. I do not want my students to know how to get the right answer. I want my students to be able to explain to me how they got their answer and convince me that they are right using rich mathematical thought and proof.
I think that I now understand linear programing in a new way after completing Baker’s Choice. I have created a much deeper understanding through talking with peers as well as spending time alone working through the problems. In the beginning, I was slightly frustrated with the activities and problems because I was left with more questions than answers. I am leaving Baker’s Choice with some of the same feelings, but also with an appreciation for those feelings because I now see the value that they will have on a student’s mathematical learning and understanding. I hope to be able to help my future students understand math in a way that is personally interesting and relevant to them. I want to use problems like these in my classroom to help facilitate high level thinking. I do not want my students to know how to get the right answer. I want my students to be able to explain to me how they got their answer and convince me that they are right using rich mathematical thought and proof.