Logic and Reasoning

     The most helpful activity in this module has definitely been applying Bloom’s taxonomy to specific geometry concepts and formulating higher level thinking questions for those concepts.  I plan on copying some of the ideas my classmates have presented and include them in my lesson plans so that I will be more prepared to reach these levels when teaching those particular concepts.  It’s very time consuming and taxing to determine appropriate questions that reach these higher levels of thinking.  Often, as teachers we are accustomed to modifying lesson plans for those students who are struggling.  But it’s much more difficult to differentiate our lessons so that we reach those few students performing at higher levels.  Too often those students are forgotten and unfortunately may never reach their potential because they’ve never been challenged. 

            Mathematical education does not focus on developing logical and lateral thinking skills enough.  It’s been my experience, that our math classes are just barely touching on these issues.  Talk about preparing our students for the real world, what better education could there be than to develop these skills? 

            I’m currently taking an on-line problem solving course.  Throughout the coursework I’ve tossed around the idea of incorporating similar, more appropriate problem sets in my math classroom when I have one.  I find the problems challenging, but also very fun.  Sometimes I even become obsessed with finding the solution.  They challenge me to think in ways that don’t come naturally.  Therefore, I believe that my students can also greatly benefit from such an experience.