Capture in virtual reality Thailand's history, culture and architecture to create case studies for the analysis of geometric properties and theorems set amidst the rich backdrop of the Southeast Asian nation.
My fellowship gave me fresh insight into the lives, backgrounds, and cultures of many of my students. Despite teaching at a school with a majority of Southeast Asian students, I had never visited Asia, nor had I found success integrating Asia's cultural themes into my pedagogy. I have a new sense of appreciation for Thailand's culture, people, and the way its customs have influenced my students and their families. I return with a committment to work new cultural themes into my curriculum.
My fellowship helped me grow not only in my apprecation and understanding of Thai history and culture on a personal level, but also in the curriculum I will develop this year. I will create virtual reality tours in which my students can explore the geometry of Thailand. This will be an exciting and engaging learning opportunity, while also validating their cultural identities. I will also prepare some Thai recipes I learned on my fellowship, creating a multi-sensory learning experience.
Although many of my students are Southeast Asian, I did not expect to engage with their specific tribes in Thailand, as most lived in refugee camps during their time there. However, I had the opportunity to meet Karen people living outside of Chiang Mai, and learn a little bit about the Hmong tribes living in the hills of northern Thailand. I was able to have a deeper understanding of the Karen experience in Thailand during a long conversation with a new Karen friend I made in Chiang Mai.
This experience has prompted me to explore a teaching tool I hadn't yet experienced - virtual reality. Using VR, my students will experience geometry through the context of Thailand, rather than simply being told about it. They will analyze 2D and 3D figures within Thailands rich cultural backdrop, learning about far more than just shapes. They will also see their teacher in a new light - someone who cares about the culture that has influenced them, and who seeks to validate who they are.
Students will explore Thai architecture through 360 degree photospheres in virtual reality. They will then use digital analysis programs to explore properties of the 2D and 3D figures they discovered. The final project of the unit will be the creation of their own mini skyscrapers using 3D design software, creating a classroom "skyline" of 3D figures. I will use our worktime on these projects to expand learning outside of math, sharing my findings related to culture, history, and even food!
I look forward to sharing about my fellowship, and what students have created as a result, with families. At conferences, family members will be able to try on the VR headsets to explore the 360 photospheres. They will also be able to see the classroom skyline on display. I will also use my fellowship to lead professional development sessions for my colleagues at the school and district level. Lastly, my geometry PLC will have the resources to replicate the project in their own classrooms.
My fellowship will allow me to relate to students in a new way - by connecting deeply to their cultural identity. While my own life experience differs greatly from that of my students, this fellowship represents a large step towards commonality. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me explore new places and experiences, and grew my understanding of who my students truly are. This will create overarching opportunities to connect with students in ways far transcending the curriculum.
I believe the best teachers teach holistically, and that the content we teach is simply a vehicle through which we can validate, inspire, and connect with young people. Teachers who are themselves inspired, passionate, and seeking connections between student learning and the world around them are the strongest asset to innovative teaching. As we know, the world is changing, and education right along with it. Through a more global mindset and creative approach to learning, our students grow.
As a result of my fellowship, my worldview has been expanded, and I have a greater appreciation for the cultural context from which my students come. My fellowship has awoken a passion for bringing the world into my classroom in a new way, tackling the intimidation of using a new and innovative tool for instruction. My fellowship has encouraged me to take risks for the benefit of my students, developing innovative curriculum to engage and inspire them.
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