Relating by knowing what has been learned in the Past
This summer I filmed a new DVD for Algebra 2. As I taught, I found myself regularly harking back to concepts which had been presented in the Alpha through Zeta levels.
When adding and subtracting algebraic expressions such as 2X2Y+7XY2-3X2Y, I found myself repeating the mantra “To compare or combine you must be the same kind”. This concept is initially presented in Beta. When we were adding algebraic fractions, I reminded the students of the “rule of four” which is a central topic in Epsilon. You have heard me preach many times on how math builds upon itself. A student’s foundation in math is very important. I try to show students the similarities between what they are learning and what they have already been taught. Algebra is arithmetic in base X, which is similar to base 10. When you can, relate new topics to similar topics they have already mastered.
Relating by Knowing Who you are Teaching
On the way to a 4th of July parade, I was asked by my third son who was 5, why we celebrated this holiday. I began with Boston and Bunker Hill, which we had visited as a family. I talked about the Boston tea party and the battles that occurred at Bunker Hill.
Then I continued with George Washington. Another family vacation had taken us to Williamsburg, VA where we had seen the movie The Story of a Patriot. I asked Joseph if he remembered the man in the movie who had crushed a walnut in his hand. I knew that image had made an impression on him, and commented that the man who did that was George Washington.
Using these two images I wove a simple story of the Revolutionary War and the beginning of our country. I was able to teach him because I knew what he knew. I related something he didn’t know to places and events that he did know.
Only someone who is intimately acquainted with their student can do this. Parents who spend time with their children, reading, working, eating, and learning with them, have access to information in the data bank of that child that they can draw from to teach them effectively.
Relationships are important to teaching and training our children. And relatives make wonderful relaters.
God bless you as you learn together with your students,
-Steve Demme
