Fractions with a Twist
In my CEP 810 course this week I was asked to create a lesson plan that allows students to inquire, play, problem-solve and evaluate in some meaningful way that is associated with my curriculum all while incorporating one digital technology into my instruction. I decided to use the Eureka Math curriculum focused on comparing unit fractions by reasoning about their size using online fraction strips and assessing through an online quiz game site, Kahoot. Here is the link to my lesson plan.
According to Douglas Thomas and John Seely Brown (2011) the new culture of learning, in their view, “emerges from the environment — and grows along with it. In the new culture, the classroom as a model is replaced by learning environments in which digital media provides access to a rich source of information and play, and the processes that occur within those environments are integral to the results” (p. 37-38). I find using digital media in the learning environment to be very important, especially for inquiry, exploration, and play. In my 21st century lesson plan I wanted to give my students many opportunities to use technology to enhance their learning through exploration and experimentation.
In my lesson, students are able to use Google Classroom to access an online fraction strip tool that will allow them to explore the relationship between different fraction sizes and compare fractions through partner exploration. Students are asked to answer higher-order thinking questions about which fraction is greater than, less than or equal to another fraction using the strips. This allows for inquiry and exploration rather than a typical lecture. This exploration is another form of play that Thomas and Brown (2011) talk about as important in the new culture of learning.
At the end of the lesson students will use Kahoot to test their knowledge of basic fraction vocabulary using visuals and related vocabulary. Kahoot was ranked number 20 on the Top 200 Tools for Learning in 2017 List by The Center for Learning and Performance Technology. Kahoot was a valuable way to close my lesson and test student knowledge of the intended objective.
In Renee Hobbs’ book entitled “Digital and media literacy: Connecting culture and classroom”, Hobbs lists five core communication competencies as fundamental literacy practices used across all subject areas: Access, Analyze, Create, Reflect, Act (p. 12). My lesson plan focuses on the analyze communication competency. The exploration of the fraction strips allows students to analyze what they know about fractions. They are able to ask the questions that deepen understanding. Questions like, “What fraction is half of one whole strip?, What fraction is half of ½?, What fractions do you notice are the same size?, What is important to remember about fractions?”, allow students to come to their own conclusions about equivalent fractions and the importance of having equal sized pieces when comparing fractions.
I am excited to present this lesson to my students and see how technology allows them to explore, play, analyze and engage in a whole new way!
References:
The Center for Learning and Performance Technologies list of the 200 Best Tools for Learning. In http://c4lpt.co.uk/top100tools/. Retrieved on June 11, 2018.
Eureka Math. In https://eureka.greatminds.org/maps/images/math_documents/g3_m5_c_10_full_lesson_v1_3_0.pdf . Retrieved on June 11, 2018.
Fraction Strip. In http://www.taw.org.uk/demo/mathematics/shapes/fractionStrip.htm. Retrieved on June 11, 2018.
Google Classroom. In https://classroom.google.com/. Retrieved on June 11, 2018.
Hobbs, R. (2011). Digital and media literacy: Connecting culture and classroom. Thousand, Oaks, CA: Corwin/Sage.
Kahoot. In https://kahoot.com/welcomeback/. Retrieved on June 11, 2018.
Seven Photo. Image result For Fraction Strips Event Planning Pinterest. In http://www.seven-photo.com/fraction-wall-ks2/image-result-for-fraction-strips-event-planning-pinterest-3/ . Retrieved on June 11, 2018.
Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (2011). A new culture of learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. Lexington, Ky: CreateSpace?.
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