A.P.P.L.E.
Lietuviškai
A.P.P.L.E. Work Group
An overview of A.P.P.L.E. Mathematics Focus group meeting in Lithuania
1998 11 27
Vilnius
Participants:
Dr. Pranas Gudynas - Pedagogical University
Kazimieras Pulmonas - LPKI
Virginija Būdienė - Open Society Fund
Nijolė Cibulskaitė - Šeškinės school
Marytė Zenkevičienė - Daugai agricultural school
Napaleonas Rimkevičus - Bezdoniai school
Vilija Tarnavičiūtė - Zapyškis school
On Nov. 28, 1998 a group of Lithuanian Mathematics educators met in
Vilnius in a discussion how A.P.P.L.E. summer seminars could meet their
needs during this time of an ongoing reform of eduction in Lithuania.
Under discussion was what information and experince of Mathamatics Teachers
from the USA or other countries would be of value to the Lithuanian teachers.
By consensus the following topics were suggested:
-
What methodology is used to have students learn mathematics in the primary
grades? How does the student know whether he has mastered the subject
matter? What are ways and means the student is taught to evaluate
his/her achievement?
-
Final Mathematics Examinations: Preparation for the exam;
Evaluation. At the end of the present school year the new final examinations
will be administered. There is much anticipation and unease among
Lithuanian teachers upon the success of the tests. Could USA teachers
share their experience on this topic?
-
Teaching standards in the USA. How are they achieved?
-
Integration of students with special needs. Mainstreaming of one,
two or more special needs students into the regular classroom puts a great
stress on the teacher. What is being done to solve this problem?
-
Trends toward new themes for word problems. Under the educational
reform new topics were introduced in economics, geared for life situations
and promoting logical reasoning. It would be interesting to hear
of experiences in this field. May be there have been compiled some
laboratory type projects?
-
Experimental computer assisted geometry.
-
Computer programs in visualizing geometric objects.
-
Research in mathamatics assisted by the computer.
-
Methods of applying the computer in classroom teaching. Of special
interest were: Computer - projector or television hook-up for whole
class participation with one computer. Group work - 2-4 students
per computer.
-
Theory of probabilityu and statistics via the computer.
-
Working with computer systems and languages to create your own small mathematics
programs.
-
Resources of the Internet for information search in projects and tests.
Using the Intranet for sharing information among students. Virtual
teaching via the Internet. I*EARN - international school projects
in mathematics. Sharing with students and teachers in various countries.
-
How to teach problem solving skills?
-
How to teach students to communicate in mathematics language?
-
Sharing experiences - how to have students cooperate and interact in daily
classroom activities. (As outlined by NCTM standards.)
-
Making daily, weekly lesson plans. Long term planning. Tests
- criteria for making tests to measure mathematical learning and critical
thinking.
-
Topic or theme work method and its application to mathematics.
-
Project work - machanics of and reality of its success in mathematics teaching.
-
Questioning skill - applied to mathematics.
-
Improving critical thinking skills. Selection of pertinent facts
from given information.
-
Interaction and relationships between students and teachers.
-
Helping teachers become more elf-reliant. Most teachers avoid responsibility.
Does this problem exist in the USA? What are the ways and means to
avoid this problem.
-
Team teaching - mechanics of organization. Would like to have teachers
share their experience.
We hope that A.P.P.L.E. lecturers will choose varied methods in
their presentations. Summer seminar participants enjoy lectures presented
in a manner not familiar to them.
Participants of this meeting stated the following achievements in the
field of teaching mathematics:
-
New programs and new textbooks
-
A new standard for final examinations
The problem they forsee is in the fact that there is a shortage
of teachers willing to promote changes.
All present at the meeting come prepared to work, discussions and considerations
reflected a spirit of congeniality.
Minutes compiled by Vilija Tarnavičiūtė. Please send new ideas,
comments, and suggestions to:
Vilija Tarnaviciute root@zaps.kau.soros.lt