The Mathematics grade 11/12
Ontario Curriculum Document’s Introduction discusses the importance of student’s
learning not only mathematical facts and procedures, but achieving a true understanding
of the concepts they are learning and applying. I believe teachers should make
a point of explaining real world applications and reasons for learning a mathematical
concept being taught, so that students can relate mathematics to their daily
lives, other subjects and future careers, thus increasing their motivation. Deepening
students’ understanding contributes to developing the ability to use learning
from one area of mathematics to understand another area of study and make
connections. Further, it is important that teachers encourage their students to
justify their solutions, communicate them orally or in writing, and reflect on
their own solutions, to ensure they solved the problem in the most accurate and
efficient way. This will reinforce that students are seeing the full picture of
mathematics.
Another important topic that has surfaced in teaching is differentiated learning. In mathematics, Problem Solving is central, and it is important that students are able to effectively problem solve. I believe that when teaching a class how to solve a problem, teachers must keep in mind the many different learning styles of their students and try to accommodate their learning needs, through differentiated learning techniques. This can be done by adding a visual diagram or using manipulatives for the hands-on and visual learners, structuring the problem in an organized manner that can be easily followed (i.e. Using Step 1,2,3 etc.), working backwards, using technology, allowing students to work/discuss in groups, and showing different methods and approaches to solve the problem. An exceptional teacher would provide many different options to students so that they can become more engaged, willing to learn, and expand their thinking processes. It is important to build new knowledge form prior knowledge. In order to do this, teachers should gage the knowledge their students currently have and then adjust their lesson plans accordingly.
It is apparent from the article, ‘Hollywood’s Math Problem’, that society has a negative view of mathematics, which is understandable due to the fact that it can be challenging and requires plenty of practice and abstract thinking. The promotion of a negative media opinion towards mathematics may be contributing to students’ disliking math and influencing their poor attitude, which is setting them up to fail before they begin. However, by providing students with a positive learning experience, teachers may be able to change the negative stigma towards math.
Personally, I have had many positive experiences while learning math. These experiences are what drive my passion for the subject and inspired me to become a math teacher. I want to be able to teach students to enjoy math and hopefully develop the same passion for the subject that I have. As a student, I enjoyed solving math problems when I understood the material, however like any other student, I quickly became frustrated when I did not understand a math topic. Therefore it is very important that teachers effectively deliver subject matter. However, the onus is not just on the teacher, the students need to be responsible and contribute to their own learning as well. The students will not be successful if they solely rely on the teacher to do everything for them, they need to be actively involved in their learning. A good math student will ask questions to gain a better understanding, attempt each homework question, investigate online problem solving techniques, and come to class with a positive attitude and an open mind. Practice makes perfect, thus students need to put in the effort when learning math.
Another important topic that has surfaced in teaching is differentiated learning. In mathematics, Problem Solving is central, and it is important that students are able to effectively problem solve. I believe that when teaching a class how to solve a problem, teachers must keep in mind the many different learning styles of their students and try to accommodate their learning needs, through differentiated learning techniques. This can be done by adding a visual diagram or using manipulatives for the hands-on and visual learners, structuring the problem in an organized manner that can be easily followed (i.e. Using Step 1,2,3 etc.), working backwards, using technology, allowing students to work/discuss in groups, and showing different methods and approaches to solve the problem. An exceptional teacher would provide many different options to students so that they can become more engaged, willing to learn, and expand their thinking processes. It is important to build new knowledge form prior knowledge. In order to do this, teachers should gage the knowledge their students currently have and then adjust their lesson plans accordingly.
It is apparent from the article, ‘Hollywood’s Math Problem’, that society has a negative view of mathematics, which is understandable due to the fact that it can be challenging and requires plenty of practice and abstract thinking. The promotion of a negative media opinion towards mathematics may be contributing to students’ disliking math and influencing their poor attitude, which is setting them up to fail before they begin. However, by providing students with a positive learning experience, teachers may be able to change the negative stigma towards math.
Personally, I have had many positive experiences while learning math. These experiences are what drive my passion for the subject and inspired me to become a math teacher. I want to be able to teach students to enjoy math and hopefully develop the same passion for the subject that I have. As a student, I enjoyed solving math problems when I understood the material, however like any other student, I quickly became frustrated when I did not understand a math topic. Therefore it is very important that teachers effectively deliver subject matter. However, the onus is not just on the teacher, the students need to be responsible and contribute to their own learning as well. The students will not be successful if they solely rely on the teacher to do everything for them, they need to be actively involved in their learning. A good math student will ask questions to gain a better understanding, attempt each homework question, investigate online problem solving techniques, and come to class with a positive attitude and an open mind. Practice makes perfect, thus students need to put in the effort when learning math.
Links to this weeks readings:
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