Reflection #8 Stimuli for Measurement and Space

Find or take a photograph that can be used as a stimulus for a maths learning experience in measurement or space. Upload it and list 3 open ended questions you would pose to the children. Support your ideas with literature

'How tower desks saved my sanity' 2015 - Picture 1

'Minecraft School Classroom Desk Lab Furniture' N.A

Picture 1 depicts a classroom that is relatable to most students. Students are able to identify aspects of their own classrooms into the above stimulus.
The teacher can then lead the students to imagine that the same classroom has now been transformed into a digital classroom, a 'Minecraft Edu' classroom.

The aim of the allowing the students to create a 'Minecraft Edu' classroom would be to engage them on a leisure activity such as 'Minecraft Edu' then allow them to analyse, adapt and recreate a virtual classroom. This mathematical experience would be based on the concept of 'area' and would provide the opportunity for students to ask questions and seek answers that extend from their own knowledge and previous experiences (Jaworski & Gellert, 2003). Research by Goldschmidt and Smolkov has shown that design thinking, inner imagery and external representations via illustrations and visual stimuli can prove to be instrumental in attaining a set goal, in this case, it allows for students to understand the concept of area first hand. (Goldschmidt & Smolkov, 2006).
The introduction of digital devices and 'Minecraft Edu' allows for students to explore mathematical concepts in a controllable 3-dimensional environment and permits the use of students to manipulate objects without any repercussions and have a first hand experience in difficult mathematical concepts through an engaging experience. In addition, the stimulus allows for students to identify any previous misconceptions and then apply the new found knowledge in the correct context.

'Minecraft School Classroom Desk Lab Furniture' N.A

Open-ended questions.

The classroom has an area of 25m², how might the classroom look?

If the classroom was going to be extended by another 25m² how might it look after?

The school has decided it wants to add in 4 more classes if the designated area is 50m² but 10m² of the space needs to be saved for the janitor’s store room how might the classes look?

References

Goldschmidt, G., & Smolkov, M. (2006). Variances in the impact of visual stimuli on design problem solving performance. Design Studies, 27(5), 549-569. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2006.01.002

Jaworski, B., & Gellert, U. (2003). Educating new mathematics teachers: Integrating theory and practice and the roles of practising teachers. In A. J. Bishop, M. A. Clements, C. Keitel, J. Kilpatrick, and F. K. S. Leung, Second Interational Handbook of Mathematics Education (pp. 829-875). Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publisher.