In the number line demonstration we watched in class, I liked the idea of adding sound and movement to show the numbers as they increased when moved to the right. Dave Hewitt didn't write on the board, making it very simple, letting the students imagine the numbers through sound and movement. I think it makes it more engaging, maybe because students are used to seeing math visually and statically on paper or on a projected presentation.
I like that the whole class was encouraged to say the answer as a group, instead of the teacher telling the students or the teacher asking one student. I find that students are more willing to learn when it is from their own peers. Perhaps hearing the voices of their classmates would help students remember information in a more meaningful way while connecting it to a group activity they did in class.
I don't think Hewitt mentioned to the students what they were learning. Hewitt simply presented a pattern to the students by showing them with a ruler and the wall. Students slowly caught on and soon, the whole class understood without any explanation from the teacher.
I can see myself incorporating all three points mentioned above in my classroom. Math can get boring when it is practiced and learned in the same way, especially when students are stick in their seats for the whole period. Learning math in various ways that use movement and sound can help attract students' attention.
Thanks for sharing, Michelle. I am curious what you think about not mentioning to students what they are learning. Are you interested in trying it because it is different from the usual routine? Or do you think there are values in not showing students the expected learning outcome sometimes?
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