Michigan
League of Academic Games
Michigan
League of Academic Games
Practice and Fractions
By Christopher Holstein
“We talking about practice? Not a game, Not a game, Not a game, We talkin' about practice!" --Allen Iverson.
He says he wished he never said that. Allen Iverson wants to win a championship with the Pistons. He must do everything that is necessary to make that happen. We will see if he will do that. The right kind of practice is what is needed.
Just like the NBA, practice is essential in Academic Games. Everybody needs
to practice for tournaments. The teachers need to practice. The students need
to practice. Showing up to practice is not enough. This is what you should do.
Work on math problems that can be used in “Equations”. Teach less
experienced and younger players some new things. Practice with more experienced
players for their wisdom. Play with different players so you don’t fall
into a rut doing the same old stuff. Don’t waste so much of your precious
time just yapping away. Make this practice time a constructive learning time.
The best players know what to do.
“Fractions? Fractions? You’re talking about fractions? I don’t need no fractions! They ain’t my type.” --Idontknow Muchmath.
You got that right. Idontknow will never feel comfortable with any type of math because he doesn’t want to learn how to use fractions. Fractions are your friends. Use them in “Equations”. Elementary players should put them on the goal.
Examples: 36/48; 6/(1/7); 2+(2/3); (13/3).
Middle players can put answers on the goal and use fractions in their solutions.
Examples: 9/20 = 4sw + 5sw; 40 = 8/(1/5) or 8/5sw; 7/8 = 1-(1/8) or 1-8sw.
Junior and Senior players can set goals like these:
11/20 = 1-(5sw+4sw); 25/28 = 1-(4sw-7sw).
There are hundreds of ways to use fractions. Those who use them will be good in math class and playing “Equations”. Fractions are part of your bag of good stuff to know and use.
Practice and fractions. You will determine whether you will go for the stars or stay with the turkeys. That’s the way it is in real life. Take a chance.