This course has provided me with
the opportunity to develop my approach to teaching mathematics and expand my
way of thinking regarding how to accommodate many types of learners. The three key ideas that I will take away from
this course are the importance of differentiated instruction, incorporating
student-based learning through activities in the classroom, and involving
technology in classroom activities. It will be my goal as a teacher to
incorporate these concepts into my mathematics classroom because I believe it
will greatly benefit the students, allow them to be engaged in the lesson, and
create a positive learning environment; which makes for an effective teacher.
Differentiated instruction is an
essential part of classroom planning because it is evident that not all
students learn in the same way. It is important to differentiate instruction in
order to continuously engage the students, grasp their attention, and hopefully
inspire a will to learn. Differentiated instruction can occur in many different
ways, such as differentiating content, process, product, and the learning
environment. It is important that we are making accommodations for students
when necessary, incorporate their interests, involve the students through many
different types of activities: both teacher, and student centered, teach a
concept multiple ways, use manipulatives, and incorporate technology, to name a
few. We have discussed both instrumental and relational understanding in class
and how important it is for students to learn mathematics catering to both
types of learning. As teachers we need to ensure that students are developing
both types of understanding, which can be done based on how we differentiate in
our classrooms. It is important that we do not follow the same routines and
methods each day while teaching, but rather try many different teaching styles,
which will also allow us to grow as educators. An exceptional teacher will
provide various options to students so that they can expand their thinking
processes as well as develop a love and joy for learning.
Student-based learning through
activities in the classroom has become an important concept frequently
discussed in class. I have learned many effective ways to implement this notion
through the student-centered activities we created and participated in
throughout the course. Student-centered activities not only get students out of
their desks and involved in their learning, but it also creates a positive and
inclusive learning environment where students engage in peer-tutoring and grow
as a class. It is essential that teachers are not just lecturing and providing
the students with information while teaching, but rather allowing them to
participate and get involved. Student centered learning allows students to work
as a team with their peers and it allows them to develop other skills such as:
confidence, patients, and the ability to voice their opinions. Student centered
learning enables students to learn from their peers when sharing thoughts and
ideas. |
| Using technology in the classroom |
Technology in the classroom is
becoming a major necessity in schools, and it is important that we are able to
utilize technology to reach students on another level. New technological
advancements are constantly occurring, and it is important that teachers are
keeping up with the pace, since students are constantly immersed in a
technological world. It is important to actively involve the students in the
use of technology opposed to just discussing the applications of them, because
hands on learning is critical when dealing with technology. Using technology in
the classroom will engage the students and provide them with the opportunity to
understand a mathematical concept in a different way! Technology is an asset that all teachers
should understand and incorporate into their classrooms.
Overall, this course has greatly
benefiting my growth as an aspiring teacher, and it has allowed me to
understand a different perspective and approach to teaching that will enable me
to become a better educator.
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