Adam Rodrigues - EDUC 450B Blog

  Reading #1: Local Matters: The Time/Space of Social Identification and Learning I definitely agree with Holland’s (2006) analysis of Wortham’s observations in that they strongly suggest a “generativity and significance of local meaning making” in the context of identity (p. 168). The recognition of local, short time-scale developments in sociological patterns that emerge within classrooms is something that should be considered seriously by teachers. Certainly, these ideas resonate with my own personal experience as both a teacher and a student. On my practicum, it was easy to observe how some students had come to identify with particular stereotypes that were created within the school. For example, I had a particularly disruptive Science 10 class that had a reputation around the school for being a “bad crop” of students; the students surely did not live under a rock and responded negatively to their teacher’s often low expectations for their behaviour, creating a vicious cycle....

 1. Can you describe 2 places in the chapter that made you stop and think? Honestly, I had a stop within the second page of the chapter! The story of Christopher is especially powerful because it highlights the raw beauty and attraction of mathematics, its ability to appeal to human desire even when it is supposably stripped of any utility in the given context; it was compelling enough to encourage a man to dedicate himself to study far more seriously than many more privileged university students. I think it is important for us as math teachers to allow students to really appreciate the beauty of math. We need to avoid making it dull and mundane at all costs! Moreover, it is essential for us to remind students that their history or previous shortcomings do not matter if one is truly dedicated. There is always the possibility to learn and grow intellectually; it just might be less practical at times and require significant effort. Another stop that I had was when the the author writ...

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1TwVntuCnOEaYS00jolER3RG9z9IQCJI3iDdC_ZjlC1Y/edit?usp=sharing

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