Spotlight on Back to School
To get 'everyone on the same page', the school year starts with Math review increasing grades while decreasing studying. This adds an element of surprise when the new material kicks in -- as all good review must come to an end.
Stay on track, keep ahead of the curve, and expect this shift from review to new content.
The NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) has wonderful resources and advice for teachers, parents and students:Math Success Tips
While not exactly back to school, Math Confidence's Robin Schwartz will be taking the SAT on October 10th. 19XX was long ago. |
Cheat Sheets, um I mean, Reference Sheets
How much does a teacher-approved cheat sheet help? If Math = formulas, then it would indeed be cheating. But problem-solving is so much more. In engineering school, our open book untimed exams with only 3 problems would take 6 or more hours and a 'C' would be welcomed with open arms! Some profs allowed just one piece of paper. It took days to craft a crowded cheat sheet chock full of problems (ok, opportunities) with a 0.5mm mechanical pencil. This process helped us know our strengths and weaknesses for maximizing potential on our exams (ok, assessments).
Now as a teacher, I encourage homework and classwork on cheat sheets for reference points so that learners can size up the challenges and tackle them under peak performance conditions (tests). Cheat sheets, um I mean, reference sheets, boost confidence, performance and enjoyment of Math and learning!
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Brain Teaser
a) A $100 stock goes up 10% and down 10%. What is its final price?
b) A $100 stock goes up 50% and down 50%.
What is its final price?
c) A $100 stock goes up 100% and then down 100%. What is its final price?
Answer will be in October 2009 newsletter.
Answer to August's Brain Teaser: The CEO is a woman. |
Graphing Calc app 99 cents 
