It’s difficult to summarize and reflect on all the insights, revelations and ideas this incredible experience has influenced my teaching practices and enhanced my student’s learning and their approach to learning. Again, I am overwhelmed by the opportunities this program has given me to enhance both my teaching and student learning. I never imagined my ImagineIT project would have such a profound impact.
I believe that if I truly fulfill my ImagineIT goals that I will have a significant impact on the mathematical understanding and problem-solving capabilities of my students. My ImaginIT project has completely shifted my teaching from a focus on content to building mathematicians with the content knowledge to solve real-world problems. I want my students to think, see, act and communicate like mathematicians. I want them to view the world as a mathematician and create a curiosity for the math and mathematical problems that surround our everyday life.
I have started the conversations with my colleagues with a goal of creating mathematicians. I have definitely noted a shift in our discussions away from focusing on content to bantering ideas about how to create problem-solvers, how to use technology to strengthen our teaching and how to involve students in the use of technology to provide the tools to enhance their role as mathematicians.
I have started this journey with small steps and the student response has been amazing. They have surprised me continually along the way as they embraced the assignments outside the realm of our math curriculum and exploration and connections to the real world. They tackle complex problems with a renewed vigor and perseverance, I have yet to experience in my teaching career.
I have so many ideas to enhance my ImagineIT project and realize I cannot do everything at once. I will try many new approaches to teaching math and continue integrating technology. I know I will experience failure along the way, but this will only strengthen the outcome of my ImagineIT goals.