Week #11 Reflection

This week in out mathematics class we discussed data distribution focusing particularly on probability. We began with the implementation of our own experimentation questioning and testing the likelihood of an individual collecting six different prizes distributed amongst several cereal boxes.  To carry out the experiment we were given a dice and recorded the rolls which were produced. The goal of this activity was to roll each number once to gain a better understanding of the likelihood of collecting s ix separate prizes.  It took our table group a total of twelve rolls to produce each number once however there were multiple times were a number appeared more than once. This experiment increased my overall understanding of how data management and probability intertwine as well exemplified the utilization of mathematics in our everyday lives.

To continue our discussion we furthered our investigation of the data base “Tinkerplots” focusing on how educators can utilize the resource in the classroom to graph gathered data. The video we examined investigated the probability of the numbers two and three appearing when two dice are rolled over a consecutive amount of trials.  The database displayed the continuous data generated and inputted it into a graph to allow users to observe the amount of times each number was produced. After numerous demonstrations our class collaborated to discuss the results and consider the academic benefits which may follow from incorporating the resource into classroom study.  Through our ongoing investigation of the resource “Tinkerplots” I have come to the conclusion that the resource acts as a valuable outlet which can significantly increase users overall understanding of data management skills through the multitude of visual representations provided.

To conclude our lesson we discussed the importance of developing and implementing effective ongoing assessment of student learning. Assessment for, as and of knowledge is a continuous practised process which signifies to educators a student’s academic progressions and/or failures in different subject areas. In addition, the implementation of ongoing observations indicates to educator’s necessary modifications and/or accommodations of activities to heighten a student’s ability to succeed. In addition we discussed the importance of classroom educators providing a multitude of skill developing activities so that students have numerous opportunities to demonstrate knowledge and understanding. As a future educator I recognize that assessment of learning cannot only be based solely off of testing of skill instead it is important that we provide students with multiple opportunities to demonstrate learning progression. To further my understanding I viewed a TedTalk which spoke about assessment within the classroom and the responsibility that we as educators take on.

 Assessment of student thinking, knowledge and understanding becomes a critical token for their ability to succeed in all realms of study. When educators become equipped with effective assessment tools they are better able to identify their student’s areas of strengthens and/or weakness allowing them offer better educational support.. As a future educator it is my responsibility to inform myself on the expectations of diagnostic, formative and summative assessment so that I am able to provide learners with a successful learning environment. For many students mathematics becomes one of the more difficult areas of study to develop therefore educators must provide ongoing support to promote and nurture academic growth. Through our collaborative class discussion and study of numerous evaluation examples I feel this lesson significantly contributed to my understanding of providing continuous effective evaluations of student learning. 

Website for Images:
http://images.clipartpanda.com/dice-clip-art-LcKeAjBca.jpeg
https://www.google.ca/search/data+management&biw=1366&bih=667&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjni5SvxrjJAhXMHh4KHd5TB40Q_AUIBigB#tbm=isch&q=bar+graph+clipart&imgrc=LQgNPttllbxv7M%3A