This presentation I presented to the School of Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, August 24, 2013. The title of this presentation was inspired from Dan Meyer's TED presentation, 'Math Class Needs a Makeover'.

1. MATH EDUCATION NEEDS
A MAKEOVER!
ABD KARIM ALIAS
Centre for Development of Academic Excellence (CDAE)
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Photo by Federica Olivieri on Flickr.
Abd
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2. Abd
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Dan Meyer: Math Class Needs a Makeover

3. Abd
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Dan Meyer on Real-World Math
Conrad Wolfram - Making Maths Beautiful
How To Make Math Meaningful
Math Classes in the Future

4. Image source: http://bit.ly/STQZBB
Internet is constantly challenging us to
RETHINK LEARNING & EDUCATION
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5. Abd Karim Alias@2011
The world as a
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6. Abd Karim Alias@2011
A Global Classroom
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7. Learning resources are
available in abundance…!

8. 8
iTunes U

9. New Framework,
New Paradigm
> Re-examining the structure
of the curriculum,
> Explore innovative delivery
methods
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10. New Framework,
New Paradigm
> Re-examining the structure
of the curriculum,
> Explore innovative delivery
methods
Abd
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11. 11
MOOC

12. The changing scenario of
education…!

13. Education today…in the globalized
& connected world…
…is about adapting to changing world.
How and what we teach has to
change as well.

14. Challenges ahead…!
Photo by Eugene Zemlyanskiy on Flickr

15. Abd Karim Alias_2013
Photo by Quinn Dombrowski on Flickr
Many students disengage
from learning mathematics…
WHY?

16. Image source: http://science.howstuffworks.com/thinking-cap.htm/
“There is no such thing as an
unmotivated student. There
are, however, students in
unmotivated states”.
- Eric Jensen
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17. § Types of E-Learning Technology
§ What is rapid E-Learning?
§ Rapid E-Learning Processes
§ Rapid E-Learning Tools
How do I make
Math more
exciting…?
interesting
engaging
fun
Yet
effective
Image source: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/
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18. What’s the problem with the traditional
way of teaching mathematics?
…the way math is traditionally
taught reinforces the idea that it's an
innate talent
Photo by Meg Lauber on Flickr.
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19. The Four Pillars Upon Which the Failure
of Math Education Rests*
(and what to do about them)
*Matthew A. Brenner,The Four Pillars Upon Which the Failure of Math Education Rests
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20. The Four Pillars Upon Which the Failure
of Math Education Rests*
(and what to do about them)
The approach (not content) of math education
is too abstract and decontextualized
Math education conveys rituals and procedures
but not understanding
Metacognitive activity is absent in math
education
Sociolinguistic obstacles to success in
mathematics
Pillar 1
Pillar 2
Pillar 3
Pillar 4
*Matthew A. Brenner,The Four Pillars Upon Which the Failure of Math Education Rests
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21. Math demands creativity, collaboration and
discussion more than memorization, drills
and just hurrying to get the right answers
Photo byYoel Ben-Avraham on Flickr.
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22. What Skills are Useful
in Innovation-Driven Societies?
• Mathematical problem solving
• Mathematical reasoning
• Mathematical creativity and critical
thinking
• Mathematical communications

23. Lower level
thinking
Higher level
thinking
Generating new ideas,
being innovative,
viewing things in
different ways
Bloom Taxonomy (revised)
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24. New Framework,
New Paradigm
> Re-examining the structure
of the curriculum,
> Explore innovative delivery
methods
Abd
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25. Re-examine Curriculum!
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We need to redesign our Math courses to clearly
build on complimentary skills and emphasize the
inter-relatedness of Algebra, Statistics, Chemistry,
Physics, Geometry, Engineering, Economics, and
even Calculus (and even Music, Poetry, History,Art,
Architecture, and Philosophy).
Mathematics curricula should be
redesigned to highlight and have
students experience the very real
everyday applications

26. Explore new innovative delivery methods

27. Conventional Approach!
Problem
Problem
Problem
Connection to
real world
Math
Computation Problem
Problem
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28. New Framework!
Number
Theory
Probability
Algebra
Connection to
other subjects
Real World
Statistics
Calculus
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29. Challenges ahead…!
Photo by Eugene Zemlyanskiy on Flickr
Changing the paradigm…

30. A teacher can only guide & facilitate;
learning & exploring is done entirely by the student
Lecture is not about giving content! …
Image source: http:// sciencebhakta.wordpress.com
3 years at USM
Lifelong learning

31. Memorable & meaningful learning
experiences
Image source: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/
Experiential learning
Collaborative learning
Immersive learning
Problem-based
learning
Blended learning
Enquiry-based
learning
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Cooperative learning

33. Any educator should master three types
of knowledge:!
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1. content knowledge—knowledge of the facts,
principles and methods in the discipline that is
being taught,
2. pedagogical knowledge—understanding of the
learning process and the conditions that
facilitate and hinder it, independent of the
discipline in which the learning takes place, and
3. pedagogical content knowledge—to denote
knowledge and understanding of the learning
process in the context of a particular
discipline.

34. Challenges ahead…!
Photo by Eugene Zemlyanskiy on Flickr

35. 35
Image source: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/
• Class periods are too short
• Not enough time for
questioning & reflecting
• Not enough time for
interaction & discussion
• Less opportunity for active
learning
Shortcomings of traditional classroom
Abd Karim Alias_2013

36. Empower your students!
Photo by Hamad Al_Mohanna on Flickr

37. Eric Mazur says learning
interests him far more than
teaching, and he encourages a
shift from "teaching" to "helping
students learn."

38. Photo by Center for TeachingVanderbilt University on Flickr
The best way to learn is to teach!
Peer teaching
Peer-assisted learning
Peer instruction
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39. Examples of classroom activity
• Group discussion
• Idea exploration
• Interactive questioning
• Quiz/Poll
• Problem solving
• Presentation/Role play
• Demonstration
• Case study/scenario
• Story telling
• Gaming

40. 40
Image source: http://bit.ly/SZvteB
Role of
Technology

41. Image source: http://bit.ly/PK39OX
Internet is constantly challenging us to
RETHINK LEARNING & EDUCATION.
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42. Technology is NOT a SILVER
BULLET…
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43. When we use technology it must
be in a way that enhances what
we are doing…
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44. Image source: http://bit.ly/PK39OX
Reinforce foundation
Remedial
Procedural
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Use technology to:

45. > Conceptual,
> Contextual
Optimize classroom time for…
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46. New Framework,
New Paradigm
> Re-examining the structure
of the curriculum,
> Explore innovative delivery
methods
Abd
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47. New Framework,
New Paradigm
> Re-examining the structure
of the curriculum,
> Explore innovative delivery
methods
Abd
Karim
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48. 48
Abd Karim Alias@2011
Use technology to produce digital
learning resources

49. Optimizing
On average the
concentration span of
an adult is < 20 min
Did you know…?
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50. Deliver the essence of the lecture in < 20 min
Condense 50 min face-to-face
lecture to…
10 to 15 min video…
Does it make sense?
Optimizing
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51. – Watch, Practice
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52. Abd
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53. What is Classroom?
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54. What is Classroom?
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55. What is Classroom?
• Reverse instruction
• Pre-recorded lecture (10 to
15 min) made available online
• Lecture delivered on demand
• Class time is reserved for
elaboration, discussion,
reflection, activities
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56. What is Classroom?
• Flipped classroom is NOT
about video or technology
• It is about effective use of
classroom time
• It allows teacher to engage
students in more
collaboration and discussion
• Construct learning together
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57. Making Classroom Effective
• Recorded lecture < 20 min
• Available on demand
• Viewed prior to f2f lecture
• Well structured programme
• Integrate with learning
activities in social media (e.g.,
Edmodo)
• Integrate with learning
activities in classroom
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58. Advantages of Classroom
• More effective active learning
• The teacher role is strengthen
• Time is used more efficiently
• More face-to-face time (interactivity)
• Peer learning is enhanced
• Differentiated instruction
• Greater control of content delivery
• Assimilation of knowledge can be
observed
• Learn on demand
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59. to Create Screencast
• Computer (desktop, laptop, tablet)
• External mic (for high quality audio)
• Webcam (optional)
• Internet access
• Software/App
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60. to Create Screencast
Free web-based
tools
Free/low cost app
for Tablet
Commercial
software
JING
SCREENFLOW
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61. MATH EDUCATION@USM!
Photo by Meg Lauber on Flickr.
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Let’s have a larger sense of
purpose…not simply…teaching!

62. Further Readings!