Math Embedded

I had a wonderful afternoon presenting a workshop to the Aboriginal Education Local Specialists Association (LSA) today.  This was a unique opportunity.  This LSA is from the Sunshine Coast school district, my hometown.  I am well acquainted with all of the Aboriginal Education teachers and district administrator.  The group was relatively small, compared to a whole teaching staff of a secondary school, and the attendees are all friends, not just colleagues.  Furthermore, I presented a ‘new’ workshop called, “Math Embedded – A Tribute to Susan Point.”

Once again, I stepped out of my box and presented to close colleagues of mine about my teaching practice as a secondary mathematics teacher implementing a First Nations approach to mathematics education during the 2009/10 Mathematics 8 curriculum implementation.  This workshop was not a workshop about Assessment for Learning (AFL), yet I managed to slip in a few words in there about assessment and evaluation with regards to the project.  I still get inspired by the dialogue that transpires when talking to teachers about assessment.  Thank you for fulfilling my AFL-fix.

What was unique about the Math Embedded workshop was that I felt so welcomed by my colleagues.  I was not nervous or anxious.  I felt a home talking about my practice candidly with hopes of inspiring each them to take the chance of working with a mathematics educator and integrate First Nations culture and perspective with the curriculum.  I was so pleased to observe my colleagues actively and willingly partake in the workshop by making their own Tribute to Susan Point and sharing their creations and thoughts to the group.  What each participant created was both beautiful and reflective of each individual.  Thank you for participating.

What was most special about the workshop was the thank you gift of sage and sweet grass from the Interior… the kind words of acknowledgment… and a song.  At the end of the workshop, the AbEd team played on a big drum while I played on my baby wolf drum ‘Dragonfly.’  We sang the ‘Woman’s Warrior Song’ to honour me.  What an honour.  I was humbled.  Chills went up and down my spine.  There is no better thank you than that.  THANK YOU SD46 ABORIGINAL EDUCATION LSA.  It was an amazing and unforgettable teaching and learning experience.