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<TITLE>RE: [SpecialTopics 716] Re: Productive disposition</TITLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>AFT's ER&D (Educational Research and Dissemination) program has a class called Thinking Math. They have developed Thinking Math 1, 2, 3, and Middle School. The classes are fantastic; all based on level three research. The classes show you the research and then how to apply it to your situation. If you have these programs available to you, I strongly recommend them. <BR>
Kathie<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
-----Original Message-----<BR>
From: specialtopics-bounces@nifl.gov on behalf of Judy Ward<BR>
Sent: Thu 9/20/2007 2:09 PM<BR>
To: specialtopics@nifl.gov<BR>
Subject: [SpecialTopics 716] Re: Productive disposition<BR>
<BR>
One point concerning a student's math and test anxiety that hasn't been<BR>
discussed is the anxiety level of the instructor related to teaching a<BR>
subject with which they have difficulty themselves. Many adult educators are<BR>
not prepared to teach math because of their week backgrounds which adds to<BR>
their anxiety level. They receive very little or no training for teaching<BR>
math and tend to teach the way they were taught. The majority of the<BR>
instructors who participated in the 3 year numeracy professional development<BR>
program I did in my state had never had any instruction in how to teach<BR>
math. There were a number of them who, after learning through the use of<BR>
manipulatives and visual methods what a fraction really meant, reacted in a<BR>
very emotional manner. These instructors had always thought that math was<BR>
beyond their understanding but yet, they were trying to help others learn<BR>
math. At the end of each semester several instructors would approach me with<BR>
"thankful tears" for finally receiving some help.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Judy<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
-----Original Message-----<BR>
From: specialtopics-bounces@nifl.gov [<A HREF="mailto:specialtopics-bounces@nifl.gov">mailto:specialtopics-bounces@nifl.gov</A>]<BR>
On Behalf Of Melvin Rice<BR>
Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2007 11:48 AM<BR>
To: specialtopics@nifl.gov<BR>
Subject: [SpecialTopics 695] Re: Productive disposition<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
>>> "Lynda Ginsburg" <ginsburg@rci.rutgers.edu> 9/18/2007 9:30 PM >>><BR>
Lenny, Pam and David,<BR>
<BR>
I agree that many adults are anxious about math, and it often has to do<BR>
with tests. Lenny, your strategy of practicing for the test situation<BR>
until some of the fear subsided seems to have worked well.<BR>
<BR>
In addition to anxiety there may be the possibility of a math specific<BR>
learning disability. I read an interesting article in the NCSALL publication<BR>
"Focus on Basics" on a condition called Dyscalculia. The article is<BR>
available on line at <A HREF="http://www.ncsall.net/?id=325">http://www.ncsall.net/?id=325</A> . According to the<BR>
article there are some specific signs of this condition, many of which I<BR>
have seen in a couple of my students.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Melvin<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Melvin Rice<BR>
<BR>
ABE Instructor<BR>
<BR>
Kansas City Kansas Community College<BR>
<BR>
melvinr@kckcc.edu<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
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