April 2016 Letter from Carolyn
Dear US Math Recovery® Members,
While attending the eLearning Guild's Learning Solutions Conference in March, David Kwong amazed and entertained the audience. Mr. Kwong studied magic at Harvard University. First, who knew that one could study magic at Harvard? Further, what does magic have to do with learning and instructional design?
Magical lessons uncover information about and advance our students' learning. We tend to use a bit of misdirection, when needed, as part of our classroom management. Beneath the illusions of Mr. Kwong, the lessons learned from his magic show and our Math Recovery® teaching have much more in common than first meets the eye. Both share the following ideas:
- Demonstrate creativity within constraints
- Design with the end in mind
- See the patterns all around
- Create order from chaos
- Stay a step ahead
- Be prepared for anything
- Plant an idea with a subtle suggestion or visual
- Practice, reflect, refine your craft
Our staff at US Math Recovery® has been working to create magical learning opportunities that connect research and practice. We encourage you to register for our conference and our upcoming fractions course. We invite you to attend a course at Summer Institute. Nominate someone for the Pioneer Award who has created a bit of magic in the mathematics education world. Share your inspiring stories and ask questions that keep the magic of learning alive...then connect those practical experiences to research.
Like amazing illusions, Math Recovery® instruction demonstrates creativity within constraints by being both responsive to the participants and intentionally designed with the end in mind. Enjoy the magic of spring growth and learning!
Warm wishes,
Carolyn
