Book Study Instructions

We are currently reading "From Reading to Math" by Maggie Siena.

Please answer the questions below for each chapter by adding a comment. Contribute to the discussion by replying to at least 2 other comments. Please don't forget to reference page and paragraph numbers so we can all follow along!

Schedule for posting:
February: Read and discuss chapters three and four.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Chapter 3, Question 5

How will you know when students are comprehending math? What signs will you look for?

7 comments:

  1. I think the "end all" for comprehension will of course be a final assessment of the concept being mastered. I like to see the students' work as well, and I do take off if their work is not shown. This presses the student to take an active role in solving the problem.
    Again, the most important step is to ask oneself in my opinion is "What are they asking?" Is it money, cookies, miles etc? Then they can go through the POE process and get the answer choices whittled down in most cases. On pg. 50 the part about "The Whole Picture" explains it all, I think.

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  2. To quote Mrs.Siena herself, we can be sure they are comprehending when
    "they value the meaning they are making and thirst for more." page 50.
    Another good indicator is if they are comfortable and feeling competent. The opposite of the symptoms Siena describes as "uncomfortable and helpess" when they lack comprehension. page 41

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    Replies
    1. I like that comment too! My favorite thing is to see the lightbulb go on! That look when they first get it and want to do it again. I also like when they are comfortable enough to try without the fear of failing so that even if they don't get the answer completely right, you know that with a tiny push they will get there!

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  3. I feel a sign of comprehension of math is when my students complete work- re-check work and then use it in real life situations to confirm. They are able to discuss concepts taught in conversations and are seeking more information on that topic or others.

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  4. When they are willing to talk to me about math during recess time, I know they get it.
    The saying, "Practice make perfect but only when practicing perfectly," is old school. It should be "Perfect practicing is when you are willing to go to number 2 because you can explain number one to someone who does not know anything!"

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  5. I think the best way for you to know if they are comprehending the materials is for them to show you with a picture or model and verbally explaining it to you or someone else. Lots of repitition, the correct way, is also beneficial and helps you retain the information.

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  6. After reading this chapter, the ability to use the reading comprehension strategies in math contexts will help us to monitor the meaning students are gaining in much more informative ways. This will also do much to promote that thirst for more.

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