Inspiration

“There are many ways to organize curricula. The challenge, now rarely met, is to avoid those that distort mathematics and turn off students.” - Steen, 2007

            Those individuals who attended NCTM Denver in April 2013 could not have felt anything less than inspired.  Inspired by the energy, enthusiasm, research and knowledge shared by the professionals who swarmed the city.  In the hotels, restaurants, walkways, buses and throughout the convention center, there was a constant hum of those who were energized by the mathematics present at this annual meeting and exposition.

                  In one session, Picture Yourself Having Fun at Math, Mary A. Robertson shared how photography can be used to incorporate real-world situations into the math classroom. The use of pictures can be used to reinforce concepts involving geometric shapes, areas, volumes, similar figures, transformations and so much more. I found myself reflecting on how the simple task of incorporating photography into the math classroom can be used inspire a student to look at mathematics through a different lens (which happened to be one of the hashtags used throughout the week).

Who has heard of mARTh?   The basic idea of mARTh is to connect mathematical concepts in a visual, kinesthetic way to make math fun, hands-on and beautiful. The presenter noted the goal of mARTh is to use creative expression to connect students to mathematical concepts.  This is a teacher whose goal is to help students make a personal, physical and visual connection with mathematics. 

            In another session, Making Cents of CCSS, Doug Tyson and Jason Molesk addressed ways to make inferences and justify conclusions from sample surveys, experiments and observational studies through spinning pennies and simulations.  The presenters shared ways to lead students in a statistical significance test in a way that non-stats teachers can implement…even at the middle school level. Did you know there are pennies from the 1960’s that will land nearly 100% of the time on heads when spun on its side? 

David Masunaga’s Geometry on a Shoestring Budget was described as “the most profound, interactive and dynamic activities that don’t require expensive technologies” and that is exactly what it was.  Masunaga kept the audience captivated and yearning for more with cheap and nontraditional geometric manipulatives that could be used to reason and prove various geometric concepts.  Every person in the room was engaged and inspired by Masunaga; the power of one.

Jo Boaler made a valid and strong point in Using Research to Make a Difference where she clearly noted that producing research knowledge is not enough to make changes in the math classroom.   How do K-8 Teachers Change Their Practices after Learning More Mathematics?  shed light on the aspects of teaching practices connecting a teacher’s knowledge and beliefs which led directly to Ritual:  A Category for Understanding Persistent Practices in Math Education; a theoretical study on the persistence of practices in math classrooms which contributed to a theory of rituals in math education. 

            With so much happening in Denver it is impossible to share every ounce of awe and amazement one experienced throughout the week.  During the opening session, The Power of Just One Teacher, Mayim Bialik shared a mission which all teachers should consider encompassing into their rituals, beliefs, practices and everyday practices: to inspire students to pursue STEM education.  This is not to say that we should expect every student make the maths and sciences the end all of education but as educators we should make it our mission to ignite a spark in every student.  As educators we have the immense and immeasurable power to inspire our students to develop a love for mathematics in some way, shape or form.  Every lesson, activity, assessment and mathematical discussion keep the common core and the mathematical practices in mind.  However, do not forget to inspire, engage and help students to develop an appreciation for mathematics that permeates beyond the classroom; you have the power to make an inspirational difference.

I look forward to another inspirational NCTM conference in New Orleans.