The following compenents are in each course:
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Key Terms
Key mathematical terms relevant to each session are listed at the beginning of that session. These terms are divided into two parts: terms that are new in that session and terms that were introduced in a previous session. Definitions for key terms may be found by clicking on the Glossary link.
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Notes
Notes can be used by facilitators, study groups, or individuals working alone. They provide extended information about the topics presented in the course, including help for dealing with stumbling blocks that may come up and recommendations for different ways to approach the content.
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Problems
Each session contains mathematical problems to be solved individually or by groups. Problems build upon previous concepts and increase in difficulty as the course progresses.
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Take It Further
The problems marked "Take It Further" are optional and are not counted as part of the two-and-a-half hour time-frame for each session. These problems are designed for individuals who would like to explore a topic in greater depth. They are often more difficult than the other problems in the session, and they may introduce new information or concepts not previously discussed.
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Interactive Activities
Each session in the course includes at least one interactive activity. These activities help you learn new mathematics content or reinforce existing knowledge through hands-on exploration directly on the Web. The interactive activities require the Flash plug-in, which you can download for free from Macromedia's Web site. There are also non-Flash versions of each activity that don't require the Flash plug-in.
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Tips
A Tip is provided at the end of many problems in the sessions. The tips are hidden so those who prefer to try to solve the problem without any help can do so. To view the tip for a selected problem, click on the "Tip" button. To hide it, click "Close Tip" at the end of the tip text.
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Solutions
A solution is provided for every problem in Learning Math, with the exception of a few open-ended questions. When solving a problem with multiple parts, consider writing down your answers to all of the parts on paper first before checking the solution, because the answers to each part of the problem will be visible at once on the solution page.
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Write and Reflect
Open-ended problems that encourage you to think about a particular concept include a Write and Reflect button rather than a Solution button. Clicking on the Write and Reflect opens a new browser window with space for you to write a response, which you can then display for viewing or printing.
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Session Videos
Each Learning Math session includes viewing a video that is available on the course Web site, or on videotape/DVD. The videos feature K-8 teachers working on the Learning Math course materials in a workshop with a facilitator. The videos for the nine content sessions show onscreen participants as they are introduced to the concepts, work through the problems, sometimes struggle to reach an understanding, and then reflect on what they have learned. At the end of most videos there is an example of how the content from the session is applied in a "real world" situation. The videos for the 10th session show participants from the videotaped workshops as they apply the content that they have learned back in their own classrooms. You may choose to watch each of these videos before or after you work on the associated course session.
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Video Segments
Each session includes short excerpts from the associated video, which you watch (or review) and reflect on to see how the onscreen participants grapple with the same or similar problems and concepts you encounter in the course. The segments are available on the course Web site, if you are watching the videos online. Instructions are also given to locate the segments on videotape. |
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Homework
Each session includes approximately 45 minutes of homework problems and/or reflective writing assignments that reinforce the session's content.
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Readings
Readings from journals and books are cited at the end of some sessions. They are available on the course Web site as downloadable PDF files. If you do not have access to the Internet, call 1-800-LEARNER to obtain a free set of readings.
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