From the Editor’s Pencil
I hope that everyone is glad to be back at school for another year and that you are all planning to attend the MCATA conference in Jasper. Those of you who were in Jasper the last time may recall what an amazing time we all had. This conference looks like another outstanding event. If you haven’t already sent in your registration, you’ll find a
form inside.
In this issue there is an article called “Mathematics or Semantics?” It poses an interesting question, and MCATA would like to hear what you think. The importance of language in communication is undeniable, and this problem shows how the interpretation of the words can make a difference in how a problem is solved. Is there really room for misunderstanding?
Does the language we use really make a difference in how our students understand? I know that in my class each year we have a discussion about the difference between two numbers. Grade 2 and 3 students will say that the difference between 3 and 7 is that 3 has curved lines and 7 has straight ones. Hmmm. One difference, to be sure, but mathematically, it takes on a whole other meaning.
E-mail me at anne.macquarrie@shaw.ca and let me know your thoughts.
Anne MacQuarrie
President’s Message
Janis Kristjansson
From the Editor’s Laptop
Anne MacQuarrie
Alberta Education Update
Curriculum Branch
Learner Assessment
French Language Services Branch
Get to Know Your New MCATA Executive Member
Carmen Wasylynuik
Conference 2006
“Pathways to Understanding”
Review and Feedback: Working Draft of the Revised Grades 10–12 Curriculum
Conference Invitation
Get Involved!
Spring Symposium a Big Success
Mathematics or Semantics?
Anne Macquarrie
