08/31/2009 (Monday)

We had our last two mathematics classes today and the topic was geometric transformations, specifically translations. The first class was pushed forward by an hour and thus caught us and the mathematics teacher off-guarded. The teacher was extremely competent at handling the class despite the surprise and was able to teach the class about translations in the spirit of active learning. Adriana, who was observing the class, and we are thus very encouraged and optimistic that the teacher would be able to sustain active learning. Of course, active learning only works if students are willing to learn and cooperate with the teacher and based on the feedback we have got from them, we are also confident that they are receptive to an active style of learning. Unfortunately, Nics had to leave the team early and the team would definitely miss him. I personally would like to thank him for his awesome ideas and teaching and it is my honor to be able to work with him for the past week to teach some cool mathematics stuff to the kids.