Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id i44EZlm00277; Tue, 4 May 2004 10:35:47 -0400 (EDT) Date: Tue, 4 May 2004 10:35:47 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <DE4FCD18CD7FD4118C8C00D0B774DDA40CE41EA0@doe.mass.edu> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Schwerdtfeger, Jane" <JaneS@doe.mass.edu> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:10265] Re: I NEED FEEDBACK A.S.A.P.!!! X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Content-Type: text/plain; X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2657.72) Status: O Content-Length: 3673 Lines: 85 Hi, Tracy-- I don't gravitate towards a love of math naturally, so I can relate to your comment! Along with these good suggestions from David, you might also want to look at the Massachusetts ABE Math Curriculum Framework. What I find helpful about it is that it translates the standards and skills into examples of how adults might use the skill at different levels of proficiency. It gives many specific examples of the ways that adults use math everyday, so it's practical and user-friendly for teachers. You can find them at http://www.doe.mass.edu/acls/frameworks. In thinking about answering the age-old question, "why do we have to learn math," I also find the Habits of Mind listed in the math framework helpful. Learning math helps adults develop and strengthen learning skills in other areas too. As the framework authors write, "Habits of Mind are practices that strengthen learning. In Numeracy instruction, Habits of Mind involve reflection, inquiry and action. They are developed by teachers and programs that offer challenging mathematical tasks in settings that support learners' curiosity, respect for evidence, persistence, ownership, and reflection about what is being learned and how it is learned. These habits flourish in instructional environments that favor uncovering mathematical concepts and connections rather than mimicking algorithms." (You can find more of a discussion on the habits of Mind on page 14 in the framework.) Hope this helps. Jane Schwerdtfeger Massachusetts Department of Education -----Original Message----- From: David Rosen [mailto:djrosen@comcast.net] Sent: Saturday, May 01, 2004 6:56 AM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-ESL:10255] Re: I NEED FEEDBACK A.S.A.P.!!! Tracy, Fluency in other languages, along with other skills, can increase employability in many kinds of work. A few years ago, a colleague told me about a two-year Japanese language training and business skills program for young, urban, unemployed African American men which led (even then) to starting salaries above $40,000. Algebra is important, too. Lack of algebra knowledge is one of the major reasons people do not enter or succeed in post secondary education. In the new economy, in many parts of the country, a year or more of successful post-secondary education is needed to get jobs with self-sustaining salaries. Mathematics is also a language, and a useful way of thinking. I recently talked with a family literacy teacher in Boston who said she loves to teach math because the parents -- who hated it when they were in school -- say THEY love it. They understand it now. They can help their children now. It is interesting, stimulating, engaging. So how is she teaching math that makes it so interesting and engaging? That's a long story, but she did mention that she likes the materials developed by the Empower project. So that might be a place to start. Empower -- extending Mathematical Power, A math curriculum for Adults http://empower.terc.edu/ also you might want to look at PBS Teacher LIne http://teacherline.pbs.org/teacherline/resources/math.cfm David J. Rosen On Saturday, May 1, 2004, at 02:42 AM, Tracy Howell wrote: > * > Students ask me, "Why is it neccessary or important to learn and speak > another language besides your own?" I need several answers that will > motivate these students and encourage them to WANT to learn an > additional language! They have asked the same question about Algebra, > but even I don't see the future need for that! > * Thanks <image.tiff> > > <image.tiff> > > FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar ñ get it now!
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