About my Capstone Inquiry

Information about my Capstone Inquiry

I am exploring various ways to give students opportunities to use math language. Some examples of ways math language can be used are: writing or speaking about a math vocabulary, explain a mathematical concept or reasoning, compare and/or contrast math concepts, analyzing data, and interpreting what an answer to a math problems means. In my short time teaching math, I find that many students avoid some of these types tasks in their math journals or are not comfortable practicing math language in front of class. These tools may also be helpful for additional practice for students that have language/communication/writing issues or English Language Learners.

This project will be beneficial to me by allowing me the opportunity to explore the language of math. My recent training for my Grades 7-12 math license only briefly mentions these types of opportunities. I also feel that this inquiry will give me options to use in other areas as well if I were to be an Intervention Specialist in both Math and Language Arts classrooms. My students will benefit from these tools by giving them a variety of opportunities to use math language individually or collaboratively.

My Goals:

Find unique and fun ways to explore math language using technology
Use this technology to assess student understanding of the curriculum
Consider real world expriences of the application of math

Standards I plan to meet:

P21 Framework:

Creativity and Innovation
Communicate Clearly
Use and Manage Information
ICT (Information, Commnications and Technology) Literacy

Nets Framework:

Research & Information Fluency
Commnication and Collaboration
Technology Operations and Concepts
Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

My plan to carry out the project:

Investigate writing, reading and speaking the language of math
Seek information about using technology in a mathematics classroom.
Compile a variety of technology tools
Post my technology tools on this webpage

Implenting my project in a classroom:

Pick one tool to start the school year
Use my chosen tool at least once a week
Add or adjust my chosen tools to add variety to the language tasks
As we progress throughout the year, I have a digital record of a student's work to show understanding of the curriculum

Student Impact:

More opportunites to use math language than before
To become more comfortable and engaged when asked to read, speak or write about math