What's the future of education? Teachers respond (article)

Here's a brief of the article.
What’s the future of education? How will students learn differently? What will the schools of the future look like? These were questions asked to the TED-Ed Innovative educators. They shared their ideas about it: Education will be more creative, kids will be more innovative (They will be evaluated on critical thinking and problem-solving skills). Kids will be more exposed to the world. Learning will be not limited to a physical school. Students will learn that anything is possible. Social justice will be a primary focus in schools. Schools will be different from the traditional one. They will incorporated virtual reality and multiple views. Students should be helped to identify their strengths, interests,and values so they can start young to build their path to what they will be in the future. Because of  things like climate change and shootings, schools will be security oriented. in spite all these changes, schools design will be stay pretty much the same.

http://blog.ed.ted.com/2016/02/12/whats-the-future-of-education-teachers-respond/

Test Anxiety

Our students/children experience a lot of different challenges during their schools years. Some have to be with the academic part, other with their social part and other with their career part or what they are going to be in the future. All of these are connected and one can Influence another. 
One of the things that can affect them is test anxiety. Test anxiety is a kind of anxiety the student feel before or during taking a test. This can make them feel insecure, might give them physical symptoms (sweating, palpitations, stomach issues), and definitely can affect their test performance.

What our students can do to ease this anxiety?

Well, there are a couple of things that can help them.
Study in advance is for sure the number one thing they should do. Knowing the material will give them confidence and security. 
Take practice tests is another thing that can help them. This is a great technique to use especially when they are taking Math tests. This will help them familiarize with the kind of test they will be taking. 
Another thing they can do is learn to manage their test time, This can be do by trying to answer all the questions they are sure they know. Answer this questions first then go to those that they are not that sure of knowing. These ones will take more time. Also, they can do all the questions that for them are more easy and then go to the ones that they consider more difficult. Why? The won't be stuck in a difficult question or in a question they don't know really well. They will answer the ones they know fast, leaving them enough time for the ones that are not that easy or they are not sure to know well.
To carefully read all the instructions is another thing they can do. Sometimes the student read the instructions to fast and they think they know what they have to do. This could make them do some mistakes giving them more anxiety. Some of them don't even read the instructions at all and this will definitely can affect their performance.
To finalize, staying positive, resting well the night before, eating right, and taking some deep breaths will definitely help them to ease their anxiety and do well on their test.

Take care, 
Tere

Let's help our students reach their full potential!!

Our children deal with a lot of different situations during their schools years. Sometimes is difficult for them to deal with these situations alone. Let's help them!

Tomorrow I'll be hosting a chat on my Facebook page, Math Anxiety https://www.facebook.com/MathAnxiety/

Let's talk/chat about how our students can reach their full potential and how they can deal with their school life: students skills, academic skills, anxiety, test anxiety, bulling, math anxiety, etc.

Go to my page, Math Anxiety, and join me in this chat. Just post your questions or comments on the page. I'm sure that together we can learn a lot and will find different ways to help our students.

The chat will be from 5:30-6:30 (Orlando,FL time)

See you tomorrow!!!

Take care,
Tere

NY Times article: Is the drive for success making our children sick?

Good article about how stress associated to school is making our kids sick. This is happening in college students, high and middle school students and as little as students around 5-6 years old.

"Expectations surrounding education have spun out of control. On top of a seven-hour school day, our kids march through hours of nightly homework, daily sports practices and band rehearsals, and weekend-consuming assignments and tournaments."

"Nearly one in three teenagers told the American Psychological Association that stress drove them to sadness or depression — and their single biggest source of stress was school." 

"At the other end of the age spectrum, doctors increasingly see children in early elementary school suffering from migraine headaches and ulcers. Many physicians see a clear connection to performance pressure."



http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/03/opinion/sunday/is-the-drive-for-success-making-our-children-sick.html?_r=0

What anxiety looks like in children vs what's happening

Anxiety in children can manifest in different ways. This is how anxiety might looks like in your child.

·         What it looks like - You are 5 minutes late to pick up your kid at a birthday party.  She is in a corner, sobbing. She is convinced you were in a car accident.

What’s happening - Anxious children may focus on worries that something bad happen to their parents.            

·         What it looks like - Family friends are over to watch the game. Your 12 year old is in his room with  his door closed. He doesn’t want to go outside.

What’s happening - Such behavior seems to be rude or unfriendly. But it could be a sign that your child is afraid of socializing.

·         What it looks like - Your son’s teacher says he’s constantly moving his legs and seems looded up in  class. She thinks he might have ADHD.

What’s happening - It could be ADHD. But your son’s impatient or restless behavior could also be a symptom of anxiety about reading and writing. Other physical symptoms of anxiety include dry mouth, rapid breathing, stomach ache, sweating, and dizziness.

·         What it look like - You daughter is constantly counting tiles or windowpanes.

What’s happening - Repeating tiny and meaningless rituals may be a way for your child to manage her fears. For example, “If I count 100 windowpanes, then I won’t fail the math test.”  If this behavior continues, talk to her doctor about what you’re seeing. It could be a sign of of  obsessive- compulsive disorder.  

·         What it looks like - Your son’s teacher complains that your son does not copy what is written on the board. Instead he closed his notebook and low his head.

What’s happening – Your son might be feeling anxious about how much work he sees written on the  board and feels he can’t fulfill it. He prefers instead to close his notebook and don’t look at the board. This might help him ease his anxiety.   

School Counselor and Math Anxiety: Math Autobiography Intervention for Math Anxiety

School Counselor and Math Anxiety: Math Autobiography Intervention for Math Anxiety:                                                             There are some interventions that a school counselor can use to help a stud...

Overcoming Math Anxiety

There are some things a student can do to help himself/herself overcome Math Anxiety 

1. A positive attitude will help. However, positive attitudes come with quality teaching for understanding which often isn't the case with many traditional approaches to teaching mathematics.

2. Ask questions, be determined to 'understand the math'. Don't settle for anything less during instruction. Ask for clear illustrations and or demonstrations or simulations.

3. Practice regularly, especially when you're having difficulty.

4. When total understanding escapes you, hire a tutor or work with peers that understand the math. You can do the math, sometimes it just take a different approach for you to understand some of the concepts.

5. Don't just read over your notes - do the math. Practice the math and make sure you can honestly state that you understand what you are doing.

6. Be persistent and don't over emphasize the fact that we all make mistakes. Remember, some of the most powerful learning stems from making a mistake.

Random Notes: My baby is going to college

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Math Anxiety images

Random information about math anxiety and anxiety

Here are some useful information about math anxiety and anxiety that might help you.


-Easy way to teach students fractions using Legos

                  
                                  
-Good one!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/114912227968917153/?fb_ref=114912365400560614%3ApUIfli2U3ffiGZHUaYFi


-Good information about anxiety and the body

http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/what-anxiety-can-look-like-in-the-body-0828124

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13987/this-is-your-body-on-anxiety-infographic.html


-How to reduce test anxiety

-Self reinforcement cycle

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13987/this-is-your-body-on-anxiety-infographic.html

Math Anxiety symptoms, like any other type of anxiety

Math anxiety is like any other type of anxiety. People with math anxiety suffers different physical symptoms. These symptoms can also be present in other types of anxiety.
These symptoms are:

Physical symptoms

• Queasy stomach, butterflies
• Clammy hands and feet
• Increased or irregular heartbeat
• Muscle tension
• Clench fists
• Tight shoulders
• Shortness of breath, feeling like going to faint
• Headache
• Shakiness
• Dry mouth
• Cold sweat, excessive perspiration

Psychological symptoms

• Negative self talk
• Panic or fear
• Desire to flee the situation or avoid it together
• A feeling of helplessness
• Feeling of inability to cope
• Mental disorganization, incoherent thinking
• Feeling of failure or worthlessness
• Extreme tension
• Nervousness
• Inability to recall material studied

All the symptoms presented above are also found in other types of anxiety like phobias.

If you give importance to a person having these symptoms and suffering from any type of anxiety, why can't you give equal
importance to those suffering the same symptoms and have MATH ANXIETY?

 

School Counselor and Math Anxiety: Math Anxiety Symptoms

School Counselor and Math Anxiety: Math Anxiety Symptoms: Hi, everyone that suffers from Math Anxiety experience some symptoms. Some of this symptoms are physical and some are mental/emotional H...

Teaching to diffuse Math Anxiety.

Teachers play an important part role in relation to help students cope with math anxiety.

Here is a list of some things that teachers can do to help:

• Teachers should create a comfortable, calm, non threatening, learning environment. 
• They should let the students know that they care for them; care for their feelings and learning.
•  Teacher should encourage their students to ask any question and be willing to answer all that arise.
• Teachers should handle incorrect responses/answer positively to encourage the student involvement and to enhance their confidence.
• Teachers should never make a student feel "stupid", deliberately or unintentionally.
• Teachers should communicate their enjoyment of math in their teaching.
• Teacher should teach for understanding not for just replication of the procedure demonstrated.
• Teachers shouldn't prejudice a student's ability or make an assumption about a his motivation without exploring the background and/or life situation of the student.
• Teachers should encourage students to maximize their abilities to learn and not to give up.
• Teachers should avoid anxious students into intimidating circumstances, such as working a problem on the board or being singled out to answer a question in class.
• Teachers should offer students alternative ways of participating in class until their confidence is back.*

One last thought, ALWAYS give positive reinforcement to your student. This will enhance their confidence and self - esteem.


                       *Some parts where taken from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

“A teacher must do more than just give great lectures.  Success for many students is related to how we make them feel in class.”

                           Fiore, 1999

School Counselor and Math Anxiety: Definition of Math Anxiety

School Counselor and Math Anxiety: Definition of Math Anxiety: One definition of math anxiety is “the panic, helplessness, paralysis, and mental disorganization that arises among some people when they...

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School Counselor and Math Anxiety: Do You Have Math Anxiety?

School Counselor and Math Anxiety: Do You Have Math Anxiety?: This survey may help you or your students understand their attitude towards math. Do not consider a high total to mean that you are hopeless...

Do You Have Math Anxiety?

This survey may help you or your students understand their attitude towards math. Do not consider a high total to mean that you are hopeless and will always be like that. Try to use it to make some changes in your math study habits and dealing with the anxiety.


Choose from the scale of 1 to 5 on the right. Where 5 corresponds to strong agreement with the statement and 1 corresponds to little or no agreement with the statement.
1. I become physically agitated when I have to go to math class.                                     1 2 3 4 5
2. I am fearful about be asked go to the board in a math class.                                      1 2 3 4 5
3. I am afraid to ask questions in math class.                                                               1 2 3 4 5
4. I am always worried about being called on in math class.                                           1 2 3 4 5
5. I understand math now, but I worry that it's going to get really difficult soon.          1 2 3 4 5
6. I tend to lose my concentration in math class.                                                           1 2 3 4 5
7. I fear math tests more than any other kind.                                                               1 2 3 4 5
8. I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up with the rest of the class.                                      1 2 3 4 5
9. I don't know how to study for math tests.                                                                   1 2 3 4 5
10. It's clear to me in math class, but when I go home it's like I was never there.              1 2 3 4 5

If you score in the 40-50 range it is likely that you have math anxiety to some extent.

*** A note of caution about these types of surveys:
Just because a survey indicates that you may have math anxiety, using this as an excuse for failure can be just
as damaging as the math anxiety itself.

                                                             

Math Study Skills Inventory

                       

 

      

                                   Math Study Skills Inventory

Rate your achievement of the following statements by placing a 3 for almost always, 2 for sometimes, and 1 for almost never. If you have never even thought about doing what the statement says, put a 0.

Selecting a math class
_______ 1. I schedule my math class at a time when I am mentally sharp.
_______ 2. When I register for a math class, I choose the best instructor for me.
_______ 3. If I have a choice, I select a math class that meets three or four days a week instead of one or two.
_______ 4. I schedule the next math class as soon as possible after I have completed the current course.
_______ 5. I am sure that I have signed up for the correct level math course.

Time and place for studying math
_______ 6. I study math every day.
_______ 7. I try to start working on my math homework immediately after math class.
_______ 8. I have a specific time to study math.
_______ 9. I have a specific place with few distractions to study math
______ 10. I work on my math homework in the lab where I can get help.
______ 11. I am careful to keep up to date with math homework.
______ 12. I study math at least 8 to 10 hours a week.

Study strategies for math class
______ 13. I read my textbook before I come to class.
______ 14. If I have trouble understanding the text, I find an alternate text.
______ 15. I take notes in math class.
______ 16. I am careful to copy all the steps of math problems in my notes.
______ 17. I ask questions when I am confused.
______ 18. I go to the instructor or lab when I am confused.
______ 19. I try to determine exactly when I got confused and exactly what confused me.
______ 20. I review my notes and text before beginning homework.
______ 21. I work problems until I understand them, not just until I get the right answer for homework
_____ 21. I work problems until I understand them, not just until I get the right answer for homework.
______ 22. I use flashcards for formulas and vocabulary.
______ 23. I develop memory techniques to remember math concepts.

Math tests
______ 24. I preview the test before I begin.
______ 25. Before I begin the test, I make notes on things such as formulas that I might need.
______ 26. I begin with the easy questions first.
______ 27. I take the full amount of time allotted for the test.
______ 28. I carefully check or rework as many problems that I have time to before I turn in my test.
______ 29. When tests are returned, I keep a log of the types of mistakes I make on tests: concept errors, application errors, or careless errors.
______ 30. I keep up to date so that I don't have to cram the night before a test.

Anxiety
______ 31. I believe that I can succeed in math class.
______ 32. I have study partners in my math class.
______ 33. I take practice tests.
______ 34. I know several good relaxation techniques.

______ TOTAL SCORE

Scoring:
Total the scores from all 34 statements.
If your score is 90 - 103, give yourself an A. You are using the study skill you need in order to be successful in math.
If your score is 80 - 89, give yourself a B. You are using good math study skills. Choose a few strategies to work on each day, and you are well on your way to an A.
If your score is 70 - 79, give yourself a C. Your study skills are average. If you want an A, choose one or two strategies in each category to work on until you are using most of the strategies described above.
If your score is below 70, you are probably having a difficult time in math class. Make
yourself do the things on the list above.


**This information can be found on page 117 of The Study Skills Workbook, third edition, by Dr. Carolyn H. Hopper, Learning Strategies Coordinator, Middle Tennessee State University. http://www.mtsu.edu/~studskl

Factors that may contribute to Math Anxiety

There are some factors besides prior negative experiences with math that can contribute to suffer this kind of anxiety.

•  Bad grade school and/or high school teachers
•  Lack of encouragement from parents or teachers
•  Lack of positive roles
•  Ethnic and/or gender stereotypes
•  Math problems being used as punishment in grade school

There are, also, some other factors that are not link with math directly.
These are:

• Pressure of taking timed tests
• The feeling of looking or feeling "stupid" in front of others.
• Students being placed at the wrong ability level in their math courses ( Too high - The student will likely feel overwhelmed in their math courses. Too low - The student may feel frustrated by the pace of the course.
• Lack of preparedness

Can you think in any other?

** According to Sheila Tobias (1993), millions of adults are blocked from professional and personal opportunities because they fear or perform poorly in mathematics. For many, these negative experiences remain throughout their adult lives

             

Why teenagers act crazy

I found this interesting article about anxiety and fear in adolescents and how and why they react to them. I am sharing it with you.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/opinion/sunday/why-teenagers-act-crazy.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0

Hope you like it.