Tutoring
During the summer and fall of 2020 I provided online tutoring for a student in Quebec. They required extra support in numeracy which I provided. I assessed that while the student was able to perform certain functions algorithmically, they did not understand conceptually what was actually happening. I used Zoom whiteboard, the math learning center apps (base 10 blocks), and various other tools to help support their learning.
Differentiation
I understand that not every student learns mathematics in one uniform way. That is why during my first practicum I wanted to make base ten block manipulatives fun and engaging. I wanted to remove any stigma of using a manipulative. I came up with a PowerPoint decimal Olympic game where the class was divided into teams and they had to guess the number in standard form. I demonstrated regrouping and made using the blocks fun. On the final unit test not all of the students needed the base ten blocks but I was excited to see some of the students still using them in front of their peers.
This lesson aligned with my teaching philosophy of making lessons engaging and fun. Over the course of 5 weeks I was moved to see how much of an impact an educator makes when they care about the students and their learning. The students know and can sense when an educator cares about their success. Upon leaving my practicum, a student asked me why I needed to go back to teacher’s college. I told him I couldn’t teach yet because I didn’t have my teaching certificate. The student took it upon themself to make me one. Also, I received a holiday card from a student that I spent extra time with in math to ensure they understood the material. They required extra scaffolding but at the end of the unit they performed well on the summative assessment.
