In the mathematical classroom, students are constantly learning new methods of solving problems. Embedded within the solution can be challenging words.
For ESOL students, there can be an inherent difficulty with picking up the language plus also understanding the mathematical concepts. Since specific terminology is used to describe the order of problem solving methods, students that are ESOL may not initially be able to interpret the order of the steps.
Additionally, depending on the country, different rudimentary mathematical concepts such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing can be shown in drastically different ways.
Therefore, for my ESOL students, there are two ways to use blogs within the classroom:
1. Use it as a clarification tool. Students need to have the ability to synthesize their information from a variety of sources, and this may start with the initial instruction wtih the teacher. Each day, I could post a general description of the solution plus also include a video that may describe it in a different manner. Then, ESOL students can use closed captioning, slow down the video, or repeat different parts of the video to help aid in the learning process. I can also include a question that encourages the students to describe another way of thinking about the problem or draw similarities among other problems that were solved in previous classrooms.
2. Students create their own collection of methods that help them learn. This can clearly be seen in the self-monitoring standard of ESOL. Self-guided learning can often be the best method of learning. Thus, students should be encouraged to find the resources that help them learn the best. With more schools adopting Chromebooks and iPads, the focus should not always be on the teacher to create the blog or archive all of the possible mathematical methods. Instead, as educators, we should be striving to help students make these connections for themselves.
Joy can be derived in the learning process when it "clicks" or when the content connects with the personal learning style of the student, making an imprint on the student's memory. Teachers need to allow the students to explore and find what methods make the most sense.
Students with ESOL need to have the guide of the active teacher, but also know the other resources online that will help them toward success.
I love the way you've suggested implementing Blogs in the Math classroom as an additional learning tool for the students. Having your own Blog as a Math teacher for your students to reference for video how-to's is a great resource, I would say for all students, not only ESOL! If I reflect on my time in school I can definitely think of many nights at home full of frustration because I wasn't understanding a concept fully and was unable to solve the problem. I have used video blogs before, specifically for Math class, where the teacher explains how to get a solution to a certain type of problem while visually showing her work. I found it to be extremely helpful. There are all types of learners out there, and sometimes a textbook explanation doesn't work for a student, especially if they are ESOL. I agree with you when you say, "Teachers need to allow the students to explore and find what methods make the most sense." Maybe that is visual learning! Blogging this way allows students to interact with each other about math, even while at home, and creates an online source where they can keep track of key concepts taught throughout the class as a reference for studying. It allows students to participate in an online class "study group" where you as the teacher can monitor their progress. I think that by having blogs student-motivated, it allows you as the teacher to check for student understanding of content in ways that you wouldn't necessarily have time to assess for in the classroom. It makes me so excited to read these ways to incorporate blogging and other technologies into the classroom in subjects where you wouldn't typically expect to find them! As a future Spanish teacher, I love the idea of presenting students with information in a blog and creating an inclusive thought sharing space for the class, whether it's a discussion board, study session, etc.!
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited that you made a video and embedded it into your blog. What a great way to spice up your blog. Pictures are great but any time you can add anything multi-media, you are increasing your odds of grabbing your viewers' attention.
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