Hai's Math Education Blog: Why Is Math Relevant

Here's a blog, developed by a member of my cohort, that addresses a frequent question from math students to their instructors. The question is, "why is math relevant." Hai's comments remind me of what my pop said as I weighed potential majors. He said: "If you can do math, you can do anything."

ms_teacher: Teacher Tip Tuesday #24

I found this great blog that provides daily tips related to middle school. This particular entry is about highly effective math teachers who are able to create those light bulb moments for students who struggle with this subject. I thought it was a useful way for me to try out "Trackback" functionality. By the way Blogger does not support "Trackback;" however, they have their own flavor called "Backlink." Enjoy!

Strategy for the writing prompts and whether to guess on multiple choice questions

Okay…so far we’ve covered how I ended up pursuing an MS and secondary math credential plus a few, very basic, suggestions about preparing for the WEST-B writing prompts. What follows immediately below is the single most helpful piece of advice I have about preparing for the writing prompts. Here goes: I suggest reading both prompts right away then proceeding with the other sections of the test (e.g. math and reading). It’s my experience that you will generate writing ideas, passively, as you work on other parts of the test. In fact, I make notes of potential thoughts or snippets, as they occur, throughout the test. That way I have them to work with when the time comes. I may be different that some, but I find this technique helpful and much better than reading a prompt and immediately trying to generate and essay.

Be sure to leave adequate time for the writing. I mentioned earlier that the math and reading sections were a touch longer than I expected based on the practice test. After completing the math and much of the reading sections, my on the fly decision was to stop short (I left blanks) in order to have an hour left to work out the essays. After switching gears I actually had only 45 minutes to work with. I have a strategic tip should you have to stop short, on the math or reading sections, as I did.

You’ll want to verify this you self but, I believe it is to the test taker’s advantage to guess rather than leaving blanks in the reading and math sections. Reason being, the test taker is not docked for incorrect answers. Instead, the score is based on the correct answers on your sheet. If so, even a WAG provides a chance of improving the score and there is no down side.

Good luck and I hope this helps!
Jim

Second Installment: Preparing for the WEST-B writing prompts

Welcome aboard Mark P! Thanks for jumping in.

The WEST-B writing prompts require a hand written response. However, for the past 20+ years, I have relied on PCs and laptops for almost all writing. Literally, I have filled in less-than a half dozen bank checks in the past 5 years. That’s probably typical so you might think about the fact that the WEST-B restricts us to #2 pencils, erasers and paper. In case this seems trivial, it didn’t take me long to be reminded of word processing functionality I have become reliant on and which WILL NOT be at my disposal during the WEST-B. Be advised you will not have a spell checker (I don’t think you’re allowed a dictionary either). Writing legibly, in your own hand, may take some practice. Also, although it comes back quickly, you’ll probably want to, try take a dry run at using a pencil, paper and eraser for both organizing and editing your writing. Prior to responding to the test writing prompts, I bought a set of #2 pencils, gum eraser and binder paper. Note that the paper supplied for the WEST-B is not the dimension of standard binder paper (it’s not 8.5”X11”). Note also that, on test day, you should bring multiple sharpened pencils. I brought 6 but only used 1 or two. That’s my tip: pick up some old school tools and practice with them.

Test

I posted the initial entry in my blog a minute ago. Later I saw how to drag you in. I hope it won't be too painful for y'all. Thanks for volunteering ;^>

Preparing to be a Seconday Math Teacher in Washington State

Hello World!

My name is Jim Bogesvang. It’s Nov 19, 2008 and I'm just about to end the first quarter of the MS Edu plus Secondary certification in Math Education.

Teaching high school math is something I've visualized since completing high school for myself. This is largely what drove me to obtain a BS in Math (California State Polytechnic University) and an MS in Statistics (Oregon State University). However, work experience with the USDA Forest Service followed by statistical consulting at OSU caused me to divert toward industry. Nonetheless, throughout my schooling and career, I tutored or taught and the desire remains today.

Through just plain good luck, I met Jason who teaches math at Rose Hill Jr High. I had just moved into a new neighborhood and Jason lives across the street. As we introduced ourselves I remember saying "teaching math was my original plan." For the next five years we fly fished and hiked together and occasionally talked about teaching. Then, last summer, Jason suggested I volunteer to teach with him at Redmond high school’s summer Math Camp. I did and loved it.

While involved with Math Camp, I met Kurt Snyder. During a conversation it came out that we both attended an info session connected with the MS Edu and Secondary Certification at University Washington Bothell. Kurt was enrolled and informed me that it was not too late for me to apply. I did and with help from the UW administration, I was guided smoothly through the process.

The program has been a great experience. For starters, I wanted to learn more about writing (as in basic composition). The UW application process, WEST-B, a Future Teacher of Washington scholarship application and several projects have given me plenty of practice and reason snoop through The Little English Handbook. Moreover, I am enjoying my classmates.

During my career, one trait that I think distinguished me is I seek out opportunities to and gain satisfaction from helping others. In fact, I usually worked into positions that allowed me to help other resolve technical problems. From what I can tell of my cohort, I think this is a core competency of those who aspire to teach.

I also relish the opportunity to engage in intellectual conversations. My peers in the Adolescent Development class I’m taking routinely blow me away at their depth of understanding, astute observations and sheer brain power. I’m absolutely serious that I wish these folk were around to help me unravel some of the problems I faced during my career in industry. Moreover, there are several practicing teachers who offer up insightful “day in the life” anecdotes.

Another big surprise has been all the web functionality that I learned about through Technology in the Classroom class. Having consistently worked in or around information technology and business intelligence, I thought I had a pretty good handle on technology. That could not have been further from the truth. Had I known about Wiki, Voice Thread, and Digital Story … I would have saved my previous employers buckets in licensing fees and simply better value. That’s' enough about me.

My initial post will be about preparing for the WEST-B, the Washing Educator Skills Test – Basic. For starters, take advantage of the practice test. I was required to generate two essays; however, I found the reading comprehension and math sections of the practice test were about half as long as the actual test.