The other day I was sitting with a group of adults and I used my fingers to explain a concept we were talking about. I was told that, as a math teacher, it seemed pretty sad that I was using my fingers to do a math problem. My reply was that using fingers to explain something was a great way to solve a problem and that it shows a better understanding of the concept if I can explain a problem in a different way that made it possible for others to understand what was discussed.
I love it when I then find and article or information that supports what I have been saying. Here is the article and it is fascinating. https://bhi61nm2cr3mkdgk1dtaov18-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Visual-Math-Paper-vF.pdf
This also goes into supporting an activity that I just did with my grade twelve precalculus class. We have just started a unit on the transformation of functions. We take some basic functions and we will apply translations, reflections and stretches to these basic shapes. To help the students in remembering the basic shapes I have them demonstrate the shapes with their bodies, what we call "Function Aerobics". They all had to stand, their bodies were the y-axis and their arms were used to show the different rays of the graphs. The shapes that the students were showing were:
y = x
y = x^2
y = x^3
y = lxl
y = sqrt x
y = b^x
y = 1/x - this is often best shown with a partner.
The next day it was interesting to watch the students discuss the different problems from problems they were working on and showing the transformations using hand motions that mirrored what they had done with their bodies the day before. When students write their test I often see students, especially the visual learners, "thinking with their hands" as they solve a problem.
Replies
Hi Benita,
The article you shared by Jo Boaler is great. I had an opportunity to see her present in Toronto back in November and it was a very powerful session.
I love your take on the Function Aerobics! I saw an animated gif of the "Function Dance" or something like that and can totally picture you doing that with your kiddos. Love it.
Hope you're enjoying a great break!
Kyle