Mathematical Worthwhile Task

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“Doing mathematics begins with posing worthwhile tasks and then creating an environment where students take risks and share and defend mathematical ideas” (Van De Walle, Karp, Bay- Williams,2013). A worthwhile task encourages students to think, collaborate, and discover. When teaching mathematics, teachers need to make sure that students can use their background knowledge to make new connections and learn from each other. “Mathematics is more than completing sets of exercises or mimicking the process the teacher explains” (Van De Walle, Karp, Bay- Williams, 2013). Memorization and repetition have an impact on learning math skills, but do not encourage problem solving. Problem solving most be part of every lesson of mathematics.
“Specifying the mathematical goals for the lesson is critical starting point for planning and teaching a lesson” (Smith & Stein, 2011). Measuring and estimations are mathematical concepts that we use daily. It is sad to see third graders that cannot read a clock or answer questions about time. These concepts are also covered on the Common Core and our state standards. My learning experience will be based on the content standard 3.MD.A.2, Tell and write time to the nearest minute and measure time intervals in minutes. Solve problems involving addition and subtraction of time intervals in minutes (Council of Chief State School Officers, 2010). After this lesson, students will be able to explain the elapsed time using intervals of minutes. Mastering this goal will help my students keep track of time. Students will use this skill for the rest of their lives. Also, it is a skill tested on the state test. In addition to the standards, the students will be able to review and incorporate some mathematical practic...

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