Discussion 2b

• Math ~ Amanda LaTurner The Annenberg Foundation uses media and telecommunications to advance excellent teaching in American schools. This mandate is carried out chiefly by the funding and broad distribution of educational video programs with coordinated web and print materials for the professional development of K-12 teachers. Annenberglearner.org is one of the most visited websites for free educational materials in the country. One of the things it does very well is highlighting great teaching techniques using various academic contents. The organization of the site makes it fairly easy to navigate and find the information sought. In addition to the videos, there are so many lessons plans to increase the rigor of expectation. The lessons I have watched were excellent in connecting the students with the math because they were set in a real-world. Students of multiple abilities could work together with each feeling comfortable in participating. I think our PDAE group is doing a better job integrating the academic with the art. The Annenberg site has some integration and some enhancement but most of the lessons I observed were mostly academic. I watched Insights into Algebra: Workshop 1: Variables and Patterns of Change. The video covered two activities, both of which I plan to use. Although the class was a group of high school students, I am comfortable that my 6th graders would be able to work through the problems. The first lesson was about Pool Tiles. The problem began with a given pool area. Studnets then decided what dimensions the pool could have and how many tiles would be needed to frame it. The problem continued to grow. I appreciate the statement that said students need to connect with the content using informal language before requiring the formal language. The second lesson was Cups and Chips. It allowed students to see mathematical expressions using chips (round plastic tokens, red for negative and yellow for positive) and cups (up for positve and turned down for negative). I thought I could use visual art integration by building on the concept of balance. Anyone teaching math in MS or HS would benefit from this video.