I
have utilized KWL charts when I was in the classroom with students. KWL charts
helped me to organize and helped the students see critical elements and
vocabulary terms and the relationship between the two. Seeing what students
already knew, helped me to differentiate for students who may have already
mastered some concepts Having a list of items concerning what the students
wanted to know, helped me determine what resources were needed to meet their
needs. It was a very useful tool for me and my other students that were visual
learners.
I
can see where vocabulary strategies could play a key role in helping students
understand math content. A lot of times when I talk to students and ask them
why they believe they are struggling in a class, it’s because they do not
understand what one word or a few words mean. This can make a big difference in
being success and understanding math concepts and becoming frustrated.
Incorporating a vocabulary strategy to pre-teach important math vocabulary
terms would be helpful.
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI have used the KWL charts as well. I implemented them more like a the Flow Map in which students drew an arrow from box to box. To differentiate for mathematics, students wrote what was important in the K box, what the question was asking in the W box, and the problem worked out step-by-step in the L box. This assisted the students with organizing the thoughts.
And, I absolutely love the vocabulary strategies. When I first started teaching I would display vocabulary words using bright colors conducive to learning. A mathematics coach came by one day and suggested that I placed visuals beside each word for reinforcement. Best idea yet! Not only do I provide students with words and bright colors, but I also provide them with a visual (mental imagine) and someway it gets stuck in their little minds. As the mathematics curriculum has shifted from procedural to conceptual understanding, the visuals assist students with critical thinking and applying what they know.