Today the class worked on exponential mathematics. This involves the meaning and the use of exponents. Most of the issues I assisted with was what the exponent truly meant. To accomplish I explained the meaning of exponents as successive multiplication the extent of which is outlined by the value of the exponent. First I had students write out the successive multiplication then count the number of times the base of the exponent appeared in the multiplication.
Overall I am loving the environment of the class. To monitor progress the teachers assistant, a french man named Charles, conducts progress tests and reports the results on a spreadsheet. When the students improve the teacher gathers the class’ attention and congratulates the student. I love this as a teaching technique for adults especially because it reinforces the idea of progress.