Go to Main

Go to Learning Context

Go to Assessment Plan

Go to Student Work

Go to Procedure

Go to Resources

Go to Instructional/Environmental Modifications

Go to Time Required

Go to Reflection
Let’s Get Cooking
Reflection
Personal comments on the learning experience:
Number Eight graphic

Comments from Angela M. Horton:

This unit was developed specifically to integrate mathematics and technology standards in a real-world application to enhance learning and understanding. Below are some of the intended and unintended outcomes that were recognized:

  1. Scheduling Flexibility. Larger blocks of uninterrupted time are helpful and allow for greater creativity and exploration of technology. Cooperation with instructors of technology is critical unless you have a great expertise in this area. Additional computer lab time would be desirable.
  2. Technological Support. When students have little or no experience with word processing or spreadsheets, teacher support is essential to their success. It is especially crucial when transferring data into spreadsheets so that they contain meaningful information that is understood by the student.
  3. Content Material. Mastery of basic mathematical skills, those listed in required prior knowledge, ensures that each student has adequate background knowledge to fulfill his/her responsibilities.
  4. Student Opinion. Some students prefer to work alone. Cooperative learning was a key element to the success of the projects. An assessment tool makes the students aware of the aspects of a good cooperative team (Assessing Cooperative Learning). Student pairs were predetermined by the teacher. Most students did not object to the arrangements, however, they may have preferred to have chosen their own partners.
  5. Student Understanding. Students generally felt that they had a better understanding of the relationship of mathematics in real life situations. They expressed a sense of pride and accomplishment after creating their cooking shows.
  6. Parent Support. The ultimately desirable outcome was full parent support by means of supplies. This goal was achieved after a complete description of the project was sent home in advance and parents were invited to come to the classroom to view a video of their child’s cooking show during an "open house". Parents commented on the use of technology to support student learning and showed excitement over the use of real-world activities to enhance subject matter.

Top of Page