Lesson 5 - Using Visualization

What we did:
(basically the usual procedures)
1) we split the girls into their respective groups to facilitate discussion
2) we introduced them to the topic 'Using Visualization', and gave the girls an example question
3) we then gave them the questions to do one by one, with points given for the fastest answers
4) winning 2 groups were given snacks and every participant sweets.

Amount spent: $5.40


Reflections

This is the first lesson in which the topic was chosen by ourselves. We chose this topic as we feel that it is quite different from conventional math yet fun at the same time. Instead of using basic formulas and calculations, students are to think out of the box to arrive at the answer. Examples include dividing relatively irregular shapes into equal parts.

At first the lesson went all right, as the girls were very interested in the topic and listened attentively. However, as the lesson went on, the girls went rather rowdy and rather over-excited, and that somewhat disrupted the lesson as the overall atmosphere was one of noise and to some extent chaos. However, after frequent reminders to kepp quiet, the later part of the lesson still went smoothly.

Although the general noise level was high, we were quite pleased to see that the girls were eagerly trying their utmost best to attempt the questions. However, as with the other lessons we have so far, there appeared to be minor internal arguments between the girls in each group. We have discussed this problem, and regrouping of the girls is one of the solutions we have in mind.

Although the topic was very interesting, we did not find a need to use external materials. Thus, the whole lesson was done using plainly pen and paper. We feel that this definitely has room for improvement as we have previously sought out to make the lessons different from normal classroom lessons, not just content-wise but also process-wise.

The lesson ended as usual with us giving out snacks as prizes to the girls for their efforts. It was yet another fun yet tiring day.