“Go down deep enough into anything and you will find mathematics.” This was a quote once said by mathematician Dean Schlicter, and is an ideal reflection on my view on math as a whole. When a student drives to school, turns on a light switch, or writes with a pen, math was used at some point to create these possibilities. If pondered upon with deep enough thought, it is clear and evident that the impact that math has on our society is critical. The cruciality of math as a whole leads to how important it is to be taught correctly and efficiently to young minds.
In any subject, or real life situations for the matter, problem solving techniques are used daily. Math is a subject that strengthens the mind in problem solving techniques at a complex and abstract level. The problem solving techniques used for math can be applied to virtually anywhere. It can be considered practice to approach, complete, and master any problem sent your way. After learning about probability and statistics, it can help aid in larger business decisions based off prerequisite data that hints at certain trends and patterns. The wide range of mathematics causes it to be taught at a considerable level.
The only way for someone to be a math teacher is if they have reached a mastery level, and is an expert in the field. Since the level of knowledge is more demanding than other content areas, the approach to teaching must be prepared with organization and determination. A wise tool for a math teacher to use is what is known as a unit organizer. The unit organizer is a visual aid that lays out the unit as a whole, as well as the schedule, vocabulary terms, concepts, and practice problems. It is an efficient method to help students organize their thought and knowledge learned. A teacher cannot simply model on the board and expect students to copy and learn. A more efficient approach would be to first review the prerequisite knowledge needed to understand the topic. Once that level of knowledge is accepted, it is now appropriate to explain and model new information. In order for students to fully comprehend, the teacher must show examples and non-examples of the new concept. This shows the students not only what the concept is, but also what it is not for a higher level of understanding. It is at this point that the class, including the teacher can work as a single unit. After this is complete, students can then work in partners before completing independent work. After review and reassurance that the students comprehend the new concept is when they can begin to attempt problems independently. The next and most important step is for the teacher to design an appropriate method of evaluation for the concept. The evaluation must be fair and parallel to the material taught so that it will accurately measure the student’s level of understanding. Teaching and learning mathematics is a team effort, and will learn to success in and out of the classroom.
In any subject, or real life situations for the matter, problem solving techniques are used daily. Math is a subject that strengthens the mind in problem solving techniques at a complex and abstract level. The problem solving techniques used for math can be applied to virtually anywhere. It can be considered practice to approach, complete, and master any problem sent your way. After learning about probability and statistics, it can help aid in larger business decisions based off prerequisite data that hints at certain trends and patterns. The wide range of mathematics causes it to be taught at a considerable level.
The only way for someone to be a math teacher is if they have reached a mastery level, and is an expert in the field. Since the level of knowledge is more demanding than other content areas, the approach to teaching must be prepared with organization and determination. A wise tool for a math teacher to use is what is known as a unit organizer. The unit organizer is a visual aid that lays out the unit as a whole, as well as the schedule, vocabulary terms, concepts, and practice problems. It is an efficient method to help students organize their thought and knowledge learned. A teacher cannot simply model on the board and expect students to copy and learn. A more efficient approach would be to first review the prerequisite knowledge needed to understand the topic. Once that level of knowledge is accepted, it is now appropriate to explain and model new information. In order for students to fully comprehend, the teacher must show examples and non-examples of the new concept. This shows the students not only what the concept is, but also what it is not for a higher level of understanding. It is at this point that the class, including the teacher can work as a single unit. After this is complete, students can then work in partners before completing independent work. After review and reassurance that the students comprehend the new concept is when they can begin to attempt problems independently. The next and most important step is for the teacher to design an appropriate method of evaluation for the concept. The evaluation must be fair and parallel to the material taught so that it will accurately measure the student’s level of understanding. Teaching and learning mathematics is a team effort, and will learn to success in and out of the classroom.