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Mathematics Communication through Technology is an integrated, project-based instructional strategy. It is designed to:
Reasons for Practice Mathematics instructors at Greenville Technical Charter High School implement project-based strategies in order to improve mathematics instruction and fulfill the mission of the school:
Input is sought from all instructors in mathematics and
the physical sciences with an emphasis on the application of mathematics
in physics, chemistry, and biology. The enduring benefit to students
will be communication skills necessary for success in the 21st century. Length of Time in Effect Mathematics Communication Through Technology has been implemented since the 2000-2001 school year. THE PROJECT-BASED strategies of Mathematics Communication through Technology require students at Greenville Technical Charter High School (GTCHS) to use technology to acquire, organize, and communicate information to solve problems. These strategies improve mastery of the subject matter and provide insight into the applications of mathematical principles to the workplace. As the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics emphasized in its 1989 statement, "There is no better way to learn mathematics than by working in groups, by arguing about strategies, and by expressing arguments in written form." Because GTCHS has chosen a format that can be adapted to many different fields, students experience the learning process from varied perspectives. They collect and organize data, perform mathematical manipulations and extrapolations, and, ultimately, deliver oral and written explanations of their results. Students use computers and graphing calculators in their work. They learn the concept of storytelling through math, science, language, and technology: the who, what, where, why, and when of experimental and statistical information. Students thus become active participants in their own learning, and better prepared to enter the global workforce of the 21st century. GTCHS students may begin to take college-level courses as early as the ninth grade. To ensure that students establish a strong foundation and meet high standards, all grades except A's and B's have been eliminated so that students will work at a skill until they master it. Those who have not mastered a particular skill earn a grade of below proficiency until they have reached the desired competency level. Students are evaluated through written summaries of their respective projects, which include a review of methods used and results obtained, as well as presentations of their projects before an audience of teachers and fellow students. Rubrics are used to score each individual student's work. In order to design, plan, and implement Mathematics Communication through Technology, mathematics and science teachers have formed a partnership. The team seeks input from all instructors in these disciplines, with an emphasis on the application of mathematics in physics, chemistry, and biology. Innovation and rigor are a priority consideration in the planning and implementation process. The team advocates and supports the use of technology across the curriculum, develops rubrics for assessments, coordinates content of course topics for research and concept collaboration, and evaluates progress through bimonthly department meetings. Goal The goal of Mathematics Communication Through Technology is to develop innovative, project-based strategies to facilitate mastery of subject matter, bridge disciplines and emphasize applications to the workplace.
Beginning with Plato's Academy, Mathematics has provided the consummate vehicle for teaching rigorous habits of the mind. Mathematics Communication Through Technology actualizes innovative, project-based strategies that enable students to communicate mathematical ideas more effectively. The projects extend enhanced communication skills throughout subject disciplines, ensuring student success in the 21st century. Greenville's project-based strategy specifically seeks to confirm that rigorous science can be taught more effectively if students are well prepared in applying mathematics skills through the use of technology. Since the school's project-based strategies rely heavily upon technology, GTCHS has become very interested in obtaining state-of-the-art technology. In order to achieve this, interested implementers would be advised to do the following:
Greenville Technical Charter High School URL: http://www.GTCHS.org CONTACT INFORMATION
Sample syllabi, assignments and rubrics for Mathematics Communications Through Technology are provided courtesy of Greenville Technical Charter High School. Download the following forms:
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