Module 2

Capacity to work with others

The most important learnings we had this module were about the Basic and Reciprocal trigonometric ratios, and the special angles. Without the knowledge of those basic concepts, solving the next problems and understanding the other modules would be very difficult if not kind of impossible. 

I dedicated a lot of time to understand those concepts and to clear al my doubts about them so that when I had to work along my classmates I could properly contribute in teamwork to analyze problems and solve them. We helped each other and even though we solved the problems by ourselves we shared with the team how in order for everyone to understand. 

Autonomous learning

I know that we learn from mistakes and also that exams help us not only see our areas of opportunity but also how we overcame mistakes. I had a particular problem last semester with a problem of application of knowledge regarding angles and arc length, so by myself I dedicated to understand it and in the next exam I could solve it properly. 

Module 1

Critical thinking

At first instance this module was very easy, I seemed to understand how to do everything and once the mid-term quiz showed up. I had no trouble solving it. The problems were very simple and easy to solve. We were taught how to identify and properly name angles, to change from DMS to decimals and vice versa (by using a calculator), talking about changes we also saw the difference of degrees and radians and how to find its correspondent, we learned about reference angles, and coterminal angles (here we were also explained how to name quadrants, since they were relevant for the topics). 
So here is my evidence of the critical thinking being applied at the moment to solve the quiz. 

Correct use of mathematical language

Now, even though I could apply the concepts I've learned, I saw that I wasn't really able to accurately explain the process of what I was doing, specially when talking about the conversion of DMS to degrees with decimals and vice versa. That was put to test in the modular exam, where I saw my mistakes and had to re-check what I was doing so that next time I wouldn't make the same mistake. 

Capacity to work with others

Initial Reflection

With this e-portfolio I am hopping to be able to upload evidences that prove my work and learning I’ve had during this semester. To be honest, I also do it to comply with the tasks of my teacher (one of my main goals is to have a better average than last semester), therefore with this portfolio I hope to get a good grade. Still, it is not the only reason, it helps me track my learning process and to identify the topics I’ve had trouble with. I plan for this to be a place where I can expose my habits and achievements so that in a future it could be used as a guidance (made of evidences) for people who are interested in what I did in high school. In other words: a website that could help me open some doors for university.

My commitment with this portfolio is to upload at least three reflections (this is the first one), also at least two evidences for each module. I commit to choose the most representative works that might reflect my learning and therefore might be more helpful for identifying my areas of opportunity or my achievements.  I’ve had experience doing portfolios and they have proved to be very helpful, and I hope for this one to be helpful as well.

NEW SEMESTER

From this point on, we move to 4th semester. 

3rd Partial

Correct Use of Mathematical Language

Last partial I had problems with equations, this partial I have problems with word definitions. The mathematical concepts are easier to recognize in a practical way, but when I try to explain them in words I don't do a very good job. That is something I must study a lot, because some definitions are quite easy to understand but there are others that reacquire  a certain level of complexity to use the right words. I think its easier to define a circle than to define a Hyperbola in which you even have to imagine some elements in order to draw it.  

Here are my evidences and corrections:

3rd Partial

Collaborative Activity

During this partial we only had one collaborative activity in which we used the concepts of the two modules that we saw. 
In this collaborative activity we had to apply our knowledge in constructions of real life. We could choose from several ideas, (like to do a conic chair, a solar cooker, or a lamp) we chose to do the lamp. In the beginning we had a very crazy idea, and really cool, however as the due date came closer and all projects started to hit us (besides of the fact that I had a concert and a play) we had to adapt our idea to something much smaller. 
We did gave in the activity at the due time, but some elements were missing, although we had the idea our concept wasn't well applied.
Even though I did my share of the team, I feel I didn't involve enough in this activity. It could've been better if me and the other co-workers helped more Ana Isa at the time of building the lamp. 
At the moment of dividing the work we had some roles very clear, but Adrian wasn't involving enough and he never asked what would he do or in what he should help or which was his role. I was quite mad and had to do something extra work to organize him with the team. To be honest we somehow changed a bit the roles. Because the engineer (Me) made the design as well as the calculations. The designer (Ana Isa) chose the materials and did the circuits and connections for the lamp. The secretary (Samara and Adrian) both helped with the content as well as joining the parts. In fact the role of the leader was not very present and Isa, Samara and I were all collaborating and helping each other to organize and make the directions. I would believe that the only teammate I had a complaint was Adrian because he didn't involve enough. 
At the moment of defining the objectives Isa, Samara and I decided to stick to the ones in the rubric. Still some problems surged and also Adrian wasn't very clear with the objectives, I had to explain several times and make sure he was including everything. 
Because I failed to involve constructively Adrian to our team, I can't say I managed to create a collaborative dialogue. However I was very pleased to hear the ideas that Samara and Isa brought to the team. Specially Isa who was very enthusiastic about the lamp work, and she kindly offered to do it herself. 

3rd Partial

Critical Thinking

We have to be evaluated in critical thinking by our teacher, here is the rubric:

I noticed that this partial my critical thinking wasn't as good as the others, next semester it is a thing I must improve. However I would have loved to have some observations to know how I could do better next semester.