Throughout my final spring semester at SLCC, I worked on how to problem solve, and

build off of my classmates ideas. In my Math 2020 class, the activities we have done in groups

has prepared me to learn how to look for other ways to present problems to students through

discovery. I believe setting students up in groups for an activity will help them build off of each

others reasoning. Since I have had about 10 months in total experiencing how to work as a

group, I learned how these problem solving activities can look like when done correctly. In my

future classroom I hope to include a similar type of problem solving activity that gives students

an in depth look on why we solve math problems a certain way.

What I learned over this semester was basic problem solving by looking at a problem in

different ways. I used to just memorize formulas, but now I am more interested on the reason

(why are we using it). I believed that getting the answer was more important, but learning how to

find the answer is much more meaningful. This class has taught me to think about math in a

different way. By discovering how to think more than what to think. Incorporating this into my

philosophy will help me become an effective math teacher that can help students see the bigger

picture. At the beginning of the semester, I had to work on asking open ended questions rather

than closed ones. Towards the end of the semester, I learned that I need to work on my math

terminology and​ defining vocabulary. I can see why this could be a problem because then

students wouldn't know what I am talking about, and therefore, wouldn't know how to answer me

or a problem they see on a test. This class has helped me become more prepared for my future

classroom by showing me what I need to work on. Such as presenting in front of others and

especially math terminology. I know now that to work on this I need to focus more time on

explaining the reasoning, while also, defining it simply enough for children to understand.
 I have two specific topics that I have never understood until taking this class. I learned

how to solve geometry problems and use metric units, which were two of the biggest struggles I

have had growing up. The problem I had with geometry was learning the different formulas for

surface area, volume, and angles. My challenge back then was memorizing the formulas. My

challenge now was to stop memorizing and start understanding how the formula came to be. I

had struggled with using a protractor to measure angles. It was difficult for me to follow the lines

and make an accurate measure. But using pattern blocks in class to measure other shapes angles

by adding more shapes has helped me understand what (n-2)x180/n means. Which is the formula

to find the interior angles of a polygon. Finally, I learned how to convert different measurements

in two different ways! Using, king henry died unexpectedly drinking chocolate milk, and using a

conversion sheet with the measurements to convert inches to feet to miles. At first, I only knew

how to convert through the formulas. But when using KHDUDCM, I was able to convert a lot

quicker. But I still find more value learning about the conversion sheet because I know where the

numbers are coming from.While learning about these subjects, I was able to put into practice

what I learned in class to my students who were learning that same topic that week.

Through practice, I gained confidence in these subjects, I was able to share my newly

acquired knowledge with my students. I was able to overcome my biggest challenge (geometry

and metric conversions) and own it. I believe that I would use the same practice of using pattern

blocks to help my students understand fractions and angle measurements. If they struggle with

using a protractor or understanding what makes a fraction whole it would be best to use visual

aids. I learned that pattern blocks can have many uses that can help students explore
measurements. Like our class, creating hands on activities with groups will help students build

on each others ideas.