SUMMER 2024, Vol. 7
July 2024
Published by: Montana Office of Public Instruction Mathematics Instructional Coordinator - Katrina Engeldrum
MT Math Minute
Feature:
Humanizing Mathematics
As teachers, we so often struggle to help our students connect to mathematics. To many, to be a ‘mathematician’ is to possess an other-worldly intellect. However, the definition of a mathematician is:
“an expert or student of mathematics”
So, how do we, as teachers, empower our students to see themselves as mathematicians? I believe the answer is simple - by grounding mathematics in the stories of the people who saw its beauty, and by helping students see their stories reflected therein.
What does it mean?
Simply put, humanizing mathematics means to teach mathematics in a way that students can connect to. This can take shape in a variety of ways and does not have to require a teacher to shift their methodology.
A teacher can humanize mathematics simply by:
- referring to their students as ‘mathematicians’ when engaging in mathematical learning;
- sharing the history of a concept when introducing it;
- integrating the history of mathematics through projects;
- allowing students to explore mathematical discoveries, following in mathematicians’ shoes;
- sharing videos about mathematicians during abbreviated school days; or
- by developing their own methods, each authentic to the teacher’s classroom and its culture.
You don’t have to be an expert in Math History, or even have a mathematics degree to humanize mathematics. We will show you how.
FEATURE: Humanizing Math
Find links to over10 classroom-ready resources as well as guidance around earning professional development unit certificates for professional learning!
FEATURE: Humanizing Mathematics
Resources
So, what resources exist to help teachers do this?
Well, OPI’s Math Instructional Coordinator recently hosted a session on this topic and has recorded a 30-minute webinar for professional learning.
This webinar is designed to provide teachers with the opportunity to engage in solo learning, or, to study this topic with their colleagues through watching the video and engaging in a 20-minute discussion.
This video provides an overview of the topic of humanizing math, and presents an opportunity for educators to explore relevant instructional resources.
Consider using the facilitator guide to:
- learn about Humanizing Math in your classroom;
- organize a professional learning event for yourself or peers that may result in OPI Professional Development Units; or
- access 10 classroom-ready free resources - from storybook recommendations to lesson plans! All curated by our Math Instructional Coordinator.
FEATURED RESOURCE:
indian education for all across the content
Adriane Tailfeathers (Mǎatsoōwǎak̇ii)
Blackfeet, 6th Grade Math Teacher Browning, MT
Ms. Adriane Tailfeathers presents a 6th-grade math lesson teaching the concept of percentage using Blackfeet Tribal Voting information.
Teachers can consider modeling a lesson after the example Adriane shows, using data from Tribal Nations near their schools.
Teachers can earn 1 OPI Professional Development Unit by watching the video and completing this brief survey.
Feedback Survey
Looking for more opportunities like this?
The Indian Education for All Across the Content 3rd Tuesdays Webinar Series provides an interactive opportunity for K-12 teachers to learn from teachers through model lessons, sharing of resources and strategies, and discussion. September through May teachers teaching on reservations, the 2019 Montana Teacher of the Year, and Library of Congress Primary Source teachers will cover ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health Enhancement, FCCS, CTE, Music, and Art.
RESOURCE LIST:
Here are some resources for developing math learning in the classroom:
MTDA
Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) offers many courses for students to catch up on learning, as well as elective options for students - from AP courses, to AI courses, explore these offerings to find out if your students can be supported by MTDA. Plus! Check out their MT EdReady program to support accelerating student learning.
Desmos
Did you know that Desmos isn’t “just” a free classroom calculator anymore? The Desmos Classroom Activity platform offers a free way for your students to engage in Mathematical Discovery. Try one of the pre-developed activities, or build your own. You’ll be able to monitor student progress, check for immediate understanding, and anonymously show student work!
Which One Doesn’t Belong?
These thought puzzles are great for bell-ringers and are sure to help your students engage in mathematical dialog. These have the capacity to build mathematical conversations and discourse in the classroom and can take just under 5 minutes of classroom time depending on how they are implemented.
More
Resources
For more resources visit our padlet where you will find:
- Featured classroom resources.
- Podcast Episodes of Interest.
- Research in Math Education.
- And more!
All curated and updated weekly by our Math Instructional Coordinator
pROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Teacher Learning Hub Offerings:
Addition and Subtraction Strategies (5 PDUs)
But What About Fact Fluency (2 PDUs)
Indian Ed & Math Seamless Integration (2 PDUs)
Mathematical Practices (K-8) (3 PDUs)
Multiplication Strategies of Basic Facts (4 PDUs)
Multiplication Strategies: Multi-Digit Numbers (5 PDUs)
Playing with Pythagoras (4 PDUs)
Problem Solving: Bring Your Classroom Alive! (3 PDUs)
The Hub offerings are free and self-guided. While each training can be applied towards licensure renewal, we encourage you to check with your district administrator or collective bargaining agreement to verify these meet district requirements for PIR.
Upcoming Events:
Professional Development F.A.Q
Need Additional Support?
Thanks for
Reading!
Want to be featured in future volumes?
OPI would love to feature those educators making innovative strides in mathematics education. If you would like to see a teacher, math department, school, or district honored for their great work, please fill out our feature request form.
