OPM1501 Assignment 2 2023
QUESTIONS 1
From a constructivist perspective, it is important to create learning
environments and learning activities that enable learners’ construction of
knowledge rather than just absorb it.
Write a 1000-word essay in which you critically respond to this statement with
a lens on the teaching of numbers, patterns, and relationships in any grade in
the Intermediate Phase. You should include examples, either from your
learning experience at school, general reading, or observation as a learner to
illustrate the points that you make. Please use the rubric 1, provided at the
end of this Tutorial Letter, to guide the structuring of your essay. It is
important that you use this rubric to do self-evaluation before you submit to
ensure that you have completed all the required elements for the essay
adequately. [30]
Title: Constructivist Approaches in Teaching Numbers, Patterns, and
Relationships: Empowering Learners in the Intermediate Phase
Introduction:
In the field of education, constructivism emphasizes the active role of learners in
constructing their own knowledge and understanding. This essay critically
examines the importance of creating learning environments and activities that
enable learners to construct knowledge, specifically focusing on the teaching of
numbers, patterns, and relationships in the Intermediate Phase. Through personal
experiences, observations, and educational research, this essay will showcase how
constructivist approaches foster a deeper understanding and empower learners in
their mathematical journey.
I. The Role of Constructivism in Learning Mathematics:
, A. Active Engagement: Constructivism encourages learners to actively participate
in the learning process. Instead of passively absorbing information, students are
encouraged to explore, question, and solve problems related to numbers, patterns,
and relationships.
Example: During my time in the Intermediate Phase, my mathematics teacher
would often initiate classroom discussions where we were encouraged to share our
thought processes when solving mathematical problems. This allowed us to learn
from each other's strategies and construct new understanding collectively.
B. Personal Meaning-Making: Constructivist approaches prioritize students' ability
to connect new information to their prior knowledge and experiences. By relating
mathematical concepts to real-life situations, learners develop a personal and
meaningful understanding of numbers, patterns, and relationships.
Example: Our teacher would use everyday examples, such as calculating the cost
of items during a shopping trip or analyzing the patterns in sports scores, to help us
see the relevance and applicability of mathematics in our daily lives. This approach
made the subject more relatable and motivated us to explore further.
II. Constructivist Strategies in Teaching Numbers, Patterns, and Relationships:
A. Manipulative and Concrete Materials: Utilizing manipulative objects and
concrete materials is a key constructivist strategy. By engaging in hands-on
activities, learners can physically manipulate objects to explore and discover
mathematical concepts.
Example: In my class, we used blocks, counters, and other manipulatives to
represent numbers, build patterns, and explore mathematical relationships. This
hands-on experience allowed us to visualize and internalize mathematical ideas
more effectively.
QUESTIONS 1
From a constructivist perspective, it is important to create learning
environments and learning activities that enable learners’ construction of
knowledge rather than just absorb it.
Write a 1000-word essay in which you critically respond to this statement with
a lens on the teaching of numbers, patterns, and relationships in any grade in
the Intermediate Phase. You should include examples, either from your
learning experience at school, general reading, or observation as a learner to
illustrate the points that you make. Please use the rubric 1, provided at the
end of this Tutorial Letter, to guide the structuring of your essay. It is
important that you use this rubric to do self-evaluation before you submit to
ensure that you have completed all the required elements for the essay
adequately. [30]
Title: Constructivist Approaches in Teaching Numbers, Patterns, and
Relationships: Empowering Learners in the Intermediate Phase
Introduction:
In the field of education, constructivism emphasizes the active role of learners in
constructing their own knowledge and understanding. This essay critically
examines the importance of creating learning environments and activities that
enable learners to construct knowledge, specifically focusing on the teaching of
numbers, patterns, and relationships in the Intermediate Phase. Through personal
experiences, observations, and educational research, this essay will showcase how
constructivist approaches foster a deeper understanding and empower learners in
their mathematical journey.
I. The Role of Constructivism in Learning Mathematics:
, A. Active Engagement: Constructivism encourages learners to actively participate
in the learning process. Instead of passively absorbing information, students are
encouraged to explore, question, and solve problems related to numbers, patterns,
and relationships.
Example: During my time in the Intermediate Phase, my mathematics teacher
would often initiate classroom discussions where we were encouraged to share our
thought processes when solving mathematical problems. This allowed us to learn
from each other's strategies and construct new understanding collectively.
B. Personal Meaning-Making: Constructivist approaches prioritize students' ability
to connect new information to their prior knowledge and experiences. By relating
mathematical concepts to real-life situations, learners develop a personal and
meaningful understanding of numbers, patterns, and relationships.
Example: Our teacher would use everyday examples, such as calculating the cost
of items during a shopping trip or analyzing the patterns in sports scores, to help us
see the relevance and applicability of mathematics in our daily lives. This approach
made the subject more relatable and motivated us to explore further.
II. Constructivist Strategies in Teaching Numbers, Patterns, and Relationships:
A. Manipulative and Concrete Materials: Utilizing manipulative objects and
concrete materials is a key constructivist strategy. By engaging in hands-on
activities, learners can physically manipulate objects to explore and discover
mathematical concepts.
Example: In my class, we used blocks, counters, and other manipulatives to
represent numbers, build patterns, and explore mathematical relationships. This
hands-on experience allowed us to visualize and internalize mathematical ideas
more effectively.
