Mathematics is a subject that is found everywhere you look. All of the buildings and houses, how do you think they were configured? What about cars, or picture frames, aren't they made up of shapes? Mathematics uses numbers, formulas, symbols, variables, and problem solving skills. Math builds on itself, using previously learned concepts and knowledge while the students also build on their math vocabulary. It is a unique tool that constantly has new discoveries. Mathematics has always been interesting to me, because there are many different strategies to solving problems, and getting that satisfying feeling when you find the correct answer after an intriguing problem. As a teacher, showing your students the importance of math is crucial, as well as showing them to never give up or to get discouraged.
When teaching your students, it is important to consider the types of learners you will have in your classroom. Using differentiated instruction can be a solution to teaching students who are learning at different paces. The different types of lessons you can use are direct instruction, inquiry based learning, or cooperative learning. Allowing the students to have a partner to work with and constantly having a conversation about the concept, opens up the students' minds. They can push themselves and each other to think about questions that they would not have thought about on their own or for the students to see that there is more than one way to solve a problem. In an inquiry-based lesson, students will be given a situation with posing questions or problems, where they will need to research or think about how to solve it using their own strategies. It allows the students to solve the problem their own way without being told how to do so; they will discover it for themselves.
In the process of becoming a math teacher, I have learned the importance of relating topics to my students' interests, while also being enthusiastic and fun about teaching. If the students see that the teacher wants to teach and has an interesting lesson, the students will be more willing to work. Creating hands-on, interesting activities and lessons, where students can work together and use their own familiar strategies can also play into that. Students need to constantly be encouraged and reassured that they can solve problems. Making sure the students know that it is acceptable to make mistakes and see you, the teacher make mistakes, they will not become discouraged. If there is a mistake that is made, I will build off of this opportunity to show the students the importance of checking your own work. Along with providing encouragement, and positive, effective feedback, it will allow for a more positive outlook on mathematics, which I will make sure I do. When students know that you believe in them and believe that they can do it, they will become more comfortable in the classroom setting and will not be afraid to ask questions.
Providing students with critical thinking problems will allow students to build on those particular skills which they will bring with them into the real-world. All of the concepts and other attributes that come along with mathematics show up in the real-world all the time. It is our job as teachers to show the students that learning mathematics is important.
When teaching your students, it is important to consider the types of learners you will have in your classroom. Using differentiated instruction can be a solution to teaching students who are learning at different paces. The different types of lessons you can use are direct instruction, inquiry based learning, or cooperative learning. Allowing the students to have a partner to work with and constantly having a conversation about the concept, opens up the students' minds. They can push themselves and each other to think about questions that they would not have thought about on their own or for the students to see that there is more than one way to solve a problem. In an inquiry-based lesson, students will be given a situation with posing questions or problems, where they will need to research or think about how to solve it using their own strategies. It allows the students to solve the problem their own way without being told how to do so; they will discover it for themselves.
In the process of becoming a math teacher, I have learned the importance of relating topics to my students' interests, while also being enthusiastic and fun about teaching. If the students see that the teacher wants to teach and has an interesting lesson, the students will be more willing to work. Creating hands-on, interesting activities and lessons, where students can work together and use their own familiar strategies can also play into that. Students need to constantly be encouraged and reassured that they can solve problems. Making sure the students know that it is acceptable to make mistakes and see you, the teacher make mistakes, they will not become discouraged. If there is a mistake that is made, I will build off of this opportunity to show the students the importance of checking your own work. Along with providing encouragement, and positive, effective feedback, it will allow for a more positive outlook on mathematics, which I will make sure I do. When students know that you believe in them and believe that they can do it, they will become more comfortable in the classroom setting and will not be afraid to ask questions.
Providing students with critical thinking problems will allow students to build on those particular skills which they will bring with them into the real-world. All of the concepts and other attributes that come along with mathematics show up in the real-world all the time. It is our job as teachers to show the students that learning mathematics is important.