Math Forum at Drexel
During the October 4th staff meeting, the faculty explored online resources available on the Math Forum@ Drexel University. The website offers a plethora of math problems and puzzles in addition to team problem solving exercises and online mentoring. Staff Developer, Michelle Johnson, prepared the training and facilitated the workshop.
Math teacher, Emily Bizzell, uses the site to incorporate weekly problems for students to solve. Her class recently collaborated on a "problem of the week" pertaining to Set Theory. Bizzell believes math discourse is a key component of effective math instruction. During discussions she views her role as facilitator instead of being a teacher who just disseminates information. As a result, her students are learning how to make sense out of problems. She believes following a formula is important, but students must understand the rationale behind it. Bizzell states, "I expect every student to be engaged in the process and to take responsibility for sharing their own perspective with classmates. Discourse builds confidence and increases a student's enjoyment and understanding of math."
Bizzell collaborated with Ana Mitton, media specialist, to incorporate technology into the problem-solving process.
The results of the lesson appear on the hallway bulletin board.
