Mission Statement
Our goal is to provide a Moodle-based online learning environment that can be used to look at math as an adventure, relevant in daily life. This iteration of Math Lab is intended to be used as a station in a grade 7 math classroom, with the flexibility in downloading and editing the Moodle back up file provided many, other iterations are also possible.
To increase student supports and peer connectedness in mathematics, provide opportunities for students to build mathematical confidence, to engage in mathematical concepts and strategies as they relate to the outside world, and to increase opportunities for independent or guided learning.
Pedagogy
Click play if you would like to listen to the pedagogy behind Math Lab.
The Math Lab focuses on constructionist and connected learning pedagogy theories. Following a constructionist theory, Math Lab aims to follow the design process outlined by Brennan & Resnick (2013) by designing open-ended activities that encompass; imagining, creating, playing, sharing, and reflecting. This theory also relates to many of Seymour Papert’s ideas when it comes to providing students, “objects to think with” and play with (Stager, 2014). Seymour Papert’s ideas of, “building knowledge structures” (Stager, 2014) also connects to Turvey & Pachler’s (2016) connected learning theories. Following the connected learning theory, Math Lab also intends to support designing learning objectives with open-ended targets and provide an opportunity for students to share their perspectives and interests in an effort to give a sense of empowerment and ownership of their learning. Both of these theories support the development and transferability with 21st Century Skills and the emerging DIY movement.
Who is the user?
Math Lab gives grade 7 students an opportunity to explore and develop individual math skills outside the time constraints of a daily lesson. Some students believe that their intelligence is more or less fixed and in math – that you can do math or you can’t. Math Lab is focused on engaging grade 7 students with interactive activities that will increase their confidence in more open, problem-solving activities. This age level is shown to be at a higher risk of engagement and effort loss. This tool is directed to change that mindset and scaffold for future math successes.
What Math Lab is!
Math Lab is an online resource for in-class use that allows students in a classroom to feel like part of a team of learners who are working toward a common goal. Math Lab is a confidence-building tool, where students engage in low risk, high reward mathematical concepts. The strategies presented utilize real-world examples that allow flexibility between independent and guided learning. The Math Lab delivers the program via the user-friendly Moodle platform.
