In the article “First Graders
Create Math Story Problems with Video” we can see a creative way to get our
students involved in their learning. In this experiment conducted by Elm Elementary
in Ohio and the University of Cincinnati, the students used their creativity to
create a video based off of a math problem they got to make up. The students
first started out by brainstorming a math problem that had to do with either
adding or subtracting. Once the students had determines what their problem and
solution was, they then had to create a story that incorporated the math
problem. Once the students had determined their story they were given blank
printed out slides of a PowerPoint to draw out their storyboard. From there the
students made their props and rehearsed their lines. Then, it was show time!
The students recorded and edited their videos on a free iPad app. Once the
videos were completely edited the students were able to sit and enjoy all of
the videos their classmates had made.
This is a great way to get students
excited about math, as well as developing new skills with technology. This
would be a perfect activity for any age group, and I would happily incorporate
this activity into my lessons. I also think it is a great idea because it shows
students that math is used in everyday life. Most students become bored with a
subject because they feel like they will never need to learn the material. With this project, I believe we can show our
students that what we are teaching them is prevalent in the real world, and
that it is important for them to learn it. Also, it shows them that learning
can be fun, and it doesn’t always have to come from a textbook.
This article goes along with
standard 1 of the ISTE Standards for Students, pertaining to creativity and
innovation. This activity allows the students to “create original works as a
means of personal or group expression” (ISTE Student Standards 1b 2008). It
also allows the students to “apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas,
products, or processes” (ISTE Student Standards 1a 2008). It also allowed the
students to follow standard 2a, “interact, collaborate, and publish with peers,
experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media” (ISTE
Student Standards 2008). They worked with professionals to develop a story
using PowerPoint, and then recording it on their iPads using apps. They
employed different techniques, and then the students shared their masterpieces
with their peers.
Schaen, R. &
Zydney, J. M. (2014). “First graders create math story problems with video. Learning & Leading with Technology,
41(5), 30-32.
I like this post because this seems like a version of a "flipped" classroom. The teacher gives the students an opportunity to teach themselves by simply providing the students with technology tools. For instance, the teacher required the students to write a story about their math problem and eventually create a video. The teacher method of using paper and pen along with technology accommodates all types of students. Some students might feel intimidated to use technology at first and others might just feel right at home. I think the teacher clearly gives the students the power to learn and dictate their own learning adventure.
ReplyDeleteCan this teaching method be used for any grade level and subject?