During our weekly math class I
learned two new terms, “commutative property and “distributive property.” According to the commutative property two
numbers can be multiplied together and the distributive property a single term
and two or more terms that are in brackets also known as parentheses may be
multiplied together.
The information provided during the
problem solving lessons was helpful to us, because one day we are going to need
to be modelling problem solving strategies for our students. We need to
consider all the ways that problems can be solved. I especially found the
Problem Solving (PS) sheet to be useful. One of my favourite quotes from the
sheet is, “Problem solving is also a powerful teaching tool that fosters
multiple creative, and innovative solutions.” This makes future teachers think
of the importance of incorporating Math into other subjects, because the depth
of Math will also be beneficial for solving problems in arise in Science, and
in other subjects.
It was interesting to observe different
techniques for solving the same Math question.
Showing how children can pictorially use groups to represent a Math is
meaningful to future elementary teachers, because we need to be exposed to a
range of ways that children can do their work and explain their work to us. For example our group enjoyed, “The Puddle
Problem.” We came up with many ways to solve the problem through using string
to measure the perimeter, using footsteps, collecting water in a measuring cup
to predict how deep it is, and measuring depth with a ruler. I also found the problem-solving
menu to be incredible! I would not have thought about fourteen ways that
problems can be solved!
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI want you to go back to the PPT for this class and re-examine the slides for commutative and distributive properties. I am not convinced that you completely understand the idea behind the two. Also, check out this website, the definitions found there might also be helpful. http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/dictionary.html
Commutative means that two numbers can be multiplied together in any order but the answer will be the same. The models/diagrams for both problems will be different - that is the important piece.
Distributive means that if you are thinking about 7x5, you can think about 7 as 5+2 and multiply each of those addends by 5 and then add them together to find the total.
Please ask if you need more clarification.
Jill
Hi Jill,
ReplyDeletePrior to starting my personal reflection, I had looked up the terminology for commutative and distributive properties through an online dictionary. I felt that the the information was clear in that it appeared to help me have a better understand to write my personal reflection. I find in class that although I do my best to take notes that the class tends to go rather quickly, so I may sometimes miss some points. However, I will go back to look at the PPT and also speak with you after class.
Thank you,
Mary