Doctoral Seminar Midterm

The first half of the semester affirmed my beliefs and is an encouragement that my path will lead in a productive direction. The three speakers that kept me “on the edge of my seat” are Dr. Erin Peters, Dr. Taboado and Dr. Clark. My interests lie in professional development for teachers of mathematics and in the correct usage of technology in the mathematics classroom. Relating what these speakers were saying to my interactions with teachers in my current position reaffirmed my beliefs as I encourage student-centered teaching and learning.

Dr. Peters reaffirmed my belief in the constructivist approach and the 3E inquiry model. As part of a team developing a new mathematics course in our state, the 3E model is playing a large role. Vocabulary is a major topic for professional development in our county. My goal as the presenter is to get the teachers actively involved in learning and teaching, share methods they might use to teach vocabulary, and the importance of correct usage. The training brought together Dr. Peters’ beliefs in brain based learning, multiple intelligences and the constructivist approach with Dr. Taboado’s beliefs in vocabulary importance.

Dr. Clark stated that his children did not just play computer games, they are learning as they play. I feel the same way with Texas Instrument (TI) technology. As a trainer for TI my mind is constantly thinking of ways to incorporate their usage into lessons so that students become involved searching for patterns, finding alternate methods to obtain a result, or visually seeing mathematical applications. Technology should be used to extend instruction, not to just give the students the answers. Students in special education have had doors opened to them that were previously closed by using technology.

I am not sure where my path will go however I know where my interests lie. Each of these speakers knew their interests, their paths may not have been exactly what they anticipated, but they did parallel with their passions for their respective areas. Writing in a journal is a method I am contemplating using to narrow down my interests or at least track my thoughts.