Chapter Five: Rich Mathematical Tasks

1. What is your opinion of the value of presenting a problem before teaching students the method or formula?

2. How will you inform parents about the notion of creating mathematical mindsets through open-ended tasks, and allowing student to first attempt questions at home as well - rather than having parents 'teach' their child how to 'memorize' (for example  multiplications facts)?

3. If you are not yet using open tasks, how will you create and design open tasks in your math class this coming year? Indicate your grade as well please.

4. Do you feel your students are able to convince and reason skeptics?  How will you model being a skeptic to assist their convincing?

Chapter Four: Creating Mathematical Mindsets: The Importance of Flexibility with Numbers

Please post your general reflection for this chapter here. Thanks!

Chapter Three: The Creativity and Beauty in Mathematics

Chapter 3 was my favourite in the book because we don't often consider math to be an aesthetic subject that inspires creativity and beauty as described by Jo Boaler. I'm hoping that our discussions for chapter 3 can focus on making some connections to our personal and professional lives.

1. Do you consider math to be something that is beautiful? If so, how and why? Would you describe math as beautiful to your students and their families? How might you do so?

2. Have you ever engaged children in math experiences that inspired creativity and aesthetics? Can you give an example with photos or perhaps a link to a blog entry that delves more deeply into this idea?

3. How has this chapter inspired you to do things differently in your classroom in the new school year? Are you considering a deeper connection between math and artistic centres and experiences in your indoor and outdoor classroom?

Chapter Two: The Power of Mistakes and Struggle

1. Jo Boaler challenges her online students to "design an activity that will reposition mistakes at school or in homes". What might you do to create an atmosphere that encourages and values mistakes in your classroom and/or beyond it? 

2. Boaler says that in order for students to make mistakes, we need to create "disequilibrium" and give them work that is difficult for them. "This will be a big change for many teachers who currently plan the tasks....to ensure student success". As a teacher of SK/1, I sometimes struggle to find that "zone of proximal development" since many of my students are just learning to work independently- I can't always physically get around to support everyone, and if tasks are too hard, the kids get frustrated and lose interest. Comments?