This course taught me the importance of making real life connections with mathematical material with the students. Once
the students understand how the material is relevant to their lives, they are more invested in learning mathematics.
I presented one lesson in this course to my class about estimating. I used pinto beans in two glass vases.
I had 1100 pinto beans in the vase and asked the class to make their best guess. The guesses were ridiculous until I pulled
an identical vase out with 100 beans and asked them to re-evaluate their guesses. When they were able to compare the two vases
their guesses became more reasonable. The real life connection I made for the lesson was estimating the amount of cereal left
until you need to ask a parent to buy more.
Having this experience was very beneficial for me and I believe it also helped my fellow peers. I was able to see how
having a manipulative can enhance the lesson as well as work as a hook.
