1. Mathematics is the study of problem solving.
2. I learn math best through repetition. It helps me to memorize the steps to solving the problems, and puts it into my long term memory.
3. They will learn math the best by applying it to real life situations. This allows the students to experience math firsthand; once they realize that math can be used in places other than school, it will seem more fun and more practical.
4. Some current practices in math classes that I think help students are those that use technology and fun computer programs. Especially in geometry. I think these make math more exciting as well as hands on.
5. When teachers give tests and then move on to the next subject without individually helping the students who do poorly or fail, the students become permanently behind and never learn the material as well as they should. Tests should be a way of helping the teacher see where the students needs help.
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I really liked that you chose a different way for how your students will learn mathematics than for how you learn mathematics. I think that it is a very mature step into becoming a teacher to realize that not all of your students will learn in the same way you do, so that's great! I also agree with what you said about tests in #5. Tests should be a way of helping the teacher see where students need help, and not just the basis for giving a grade.
ReplyDeleteOne way I think you could strengthen your point in #3 is to not forget that there still will be students who learn the same way you do. Not all students will care or want to know how math applies to life, so you cant teach all to application, but you probably already understand that. Good job!
I appreciate the creativity in your thinking about instructional practices, such as having students apply the mathematics to real life situations and to use technology to help them learn. Did you know that many teachers have their students develop mathematical ideas and solution methods by solving a real world problem rather than first teaching the solution method and then having students solve real-world problems using the method? It sounds kind of backwards, doesn't it? Can you think of why they might choose to do it that way?
ReplyDeleteThere are many different ways of using technology. For example, you could teach students a particular way of solving a particular type of problem, and then use a computer program to drill them on several similar problems. You could use technology to help your students visualize a mathematical idea during your presentation, such as showing them a graph. You could have students use technology to perform difficult computations or check their answers. What ways did you have in mind about how you would use technology to teach?
I'm not sure if your questions were just something that you want me to think about or really answer, so I'll just answer. :) That's great that teachers first have students develop their own solutions to real problems, because that allows them to do it their won way and also to realize that they CAN do it without me first showing them. If the teacher then refines their findings and expounds on them, they will learn it even better. What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteAs far as technology, I just remember doing fun games and using visual programs in geometry that made it easier to see things 3D and create them on my own. I don't remember the programs, but I'm sure there are similar ones that I can use when I'm a teacher. I want to take my students to the computer lab at least once a weed to change things up and help those students who are predominantly visual learners.
I think you have a lot of good ideas! I agree with you, I think repetition is key to learning mathematics. I think using technology is great in the class rooms. It can help studnts in many different ways. I also think it is important to not forget the old fashioned teaching methods too, such as flashcards. These are really effective, especially to do as a class, and sometimes can help students more than a computer game or something that is more distracting. Just a combination of the two teaching styles is good.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you soooo much when you said how terrible it was when teachers don't help students who performed poorly on tests. I tutor a high school student and she brought home a test with a 50% on it. I felt terrible because I felt like I had failed. She told me not to worry because she had one of the highest scores. Now shouldn't that teacher be questioning herself if a 50% is a high score?
ReplyDeleteI also like how you plan on using practical application to help your students learn, however, I think that a combination of methods is sometimes more helpful. Not everything can be practically applied.