Autumn Woodard

Feb. 20, 2016

TMA 6630 Final Exam

I believe that understanding math conceptually is important and should be a crucial part of
developing a successful learning environment. In this context, conceptually means having an
understanding in terms of different ideas. I think this is something thats not always expressed in
classrooms. Based on my own experience, procedures were what ruled the classroom. We
learned formulas and when to use them, then we were taught the right way to solve the
problems. As a visual learner, this was something that didnt help me at all. It was hard to
process my teacher speaking to what I would later do on my own at home. Even though I had the
notes, it was hard for me to go by the book and solve the problems like we were taught. As I
got older, and instruction became more flexible, I worked out problems in my own way and then
attempt to convert them to how I was taught in class, just so I wouldnt get a lower grade for not
doing as I was told.
Using math manipulatives can help students make an abstract concept concrete. With
manipulatives, math stops being just numbers on a page and starts becoming something children
can see, touch and manipulate. By not using manipulatives, I believe that the classroom would be
sent back to the procedural route instead of being conceptual. Manipulatives give children a way
to be able to control their learning. We give them instruction and then its important to let them
go and learn on their own. During my field experience, I worked with a child who had special
needs. I had the class using M&Ms as our manipulatives as we worked with fractions. I gave her
instruction on how to group them, but she didnt listen to me. Instead, she grouped them how she
wanted. I corrected her once, but she told me she was doing what I asked her to do, even though
it was obvious to me that she wasnt. I didnt correct her again and I watched her work. I still
have no idea how she was grouping the M&Ms, but it wasnt like the rest of the class was doing
the assignment. However, this student got every single answer right and it was such an
improvement over her assignment from the day before when we didnt use manipulatives. Being
able to see and touch the fractions helped her complete the assignment. She didnt do as I
asked her to do, but she understood. She had control of her learning. Even when I tried to correct
her, she knew how she needed to work to get the correct answer. She knew what was best for her.
Some of my favorite manipulatives we discussed in class were the base-ten blocks, tangrams
and break-part fraction squares. These are two concepts that were hard for me in elementary
school and I think being able to visually see and put together these numbers and fractions will
help a child see beyond the number and really see what it means. I liked the tangrams too
because you could see how different shapes can come together to make new shapes. I also liked
the gallon fish tank. Knowing how many pints, cups and quarts in a gallon is something I can
never remember and putting together that fish tank was really hard for me, even as a graduate
student. As I was trying to figure out what I was doing, I realized that the different squares
representing the quarts, cups and gallon would fit into the larger one. I had a moment where I felt
like a student in a classroom, learning this for the first time, because it clicked in my head and I

understood.
I think manipulatives are something all teachers should use. Not just younger children, but
older as well. In my opinion, I believe that its easy to believe that older children should already
be set in their learning ways and know what works best for them, but kids are always learning.
We need to continue to give them that outlet so they can figure out what methods work for them
when learning new concepts.
This class really opened my eyes to the fact that there are different ways to go about teaching
mathematics and Im really glad for that. Children arent all wired the same and I think
sometimes we can act like they are if we arent careful. In order to have a successful learning
environment, we should work with all children to make sure they understand. If they begin to
feel frustrated or left out just because their teacher doesnt recognize their learning styles, it
could affect their feelings regarding the subject and how much attention and effort they put forth
in class.Each child will have their own strengths and weaknesses and its important for us, as
teachers, to honor that and support it so that the will be able to grow intellectually.