After discussing the needs of most of our learners, we decided that designing a CD ROM that allows students to experience math in the real world would be an important motivator in the internalization of math. Many students are more open to learning when they see a need for the information in the context of their lives. Why do they need to learn it? How is it useful? When do you need to use it? Math is all around us, but this program will help students make connections to when these skills and concepts will be useful to them in their every day lives.
After researching "math in the real world" online, I found that while there are some interactive sites that offer one or more math concepts, our program will stand apart. Our program will offer multiple concepts in correlation to the Connecticut Framework's Mathematics Strands assessed on the Connecticut Mastery Test. It will also provide students with exposure to CMT language and item format. It has been said that many students scoring below the proficient range may understand the skill or concept, but have difficulty with the CMT language or item format which causes them to misunderstand the question resulting in a wrong answer.
Another way our program will stand apart is that our CD ROM will include extensive video. These videos will reinforce real world math by helping learners to make meaningful connections to math by seeing math in action. Video will be a major component to our program and will also aid in the motivation of learners.
Creating a motivational program that not only shows students how and when we use math in our everyday lives, but also reinforces CMT weaknesses is a benefit to both teachers and students. We hope that not only will our CD ROM motivate learners, but it will also allow them to internalize math, bringing both a better understanding and new appreciation for mathematics into their lives.
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