My Philosophy of Teaching Math
In order to run a successful classroom, it is crucial that teachers regard their students as their number one priority. Although there are similarities in philosophies among all subject areas, I believe that mathematics should have a philosophy of its own. Mathematics is and should be a crucial entity in every person’s life. Of course, there is a broad spectrum of mathematical abilities that will vary from person to person. However, no one can get through life without coming across some sort of mathematics on a daily basis. Patterns, symmetry, geometry, velocity, acceleration, interest and slope are examples of math seen in every day situations. Many people do not see these ideas as having to do with mathematics because a large percentage of people are not wired to think in that manner. The people who do notice these ideas and can relate them to mathematics directly are the people who thoroughly enjoy math, like me!
In a classroom, I believe that we should help our students to better comprehend mathematics as a whole. I have seen way too many students get so downright frustrated and confused with mathematics. It is then that they decide to throw up their hands and give up completely. These students are so used to “failing” at mathematics that they believe giving up is much easier than trying to make the extra effort to change their perspective about mathematics. If, as mathematics teachers, we focused more on teaching students how and why we get specific computations or how we arrive at specific answers, instead of purely spitting out and regurgitating information that is nonsensical to them (and cannot be applied to any real-life situation), the students would thrive and perform at much higher levels in their mathematics courses. Students constantly ask “How will this help me in the real world?” and “Why do I need to know this?” These types of questions emerge in all grade levels, escalating more, as the students grow older. Perhaps all teachers should be spending a significant amount of their time trying to figure out how they can apply math concepts to real-world situations so that their students can understand and appreciate why they are learning what they are learning. It is imperative that they don’t feel like what they’re doing is completely pointless and a waste of their time.
As the teacher, you must be willing to go the extra mile to help your students understand mathematics. Each student should be challenged to a healthy level that will stimulate a better learning environment for both them and their peers. Think about it; if you are not willing to put your entire heart and soul into teaching these kids, why would they want to put their heart and soul into learning what you are teaching them? Show them that they can do whatever they put their minds to, and remember to always encourage them and give them positive feedback. Have faith in your students, and they will have faith in you.
In a classroom, I believe that we should help our students to better comprehend mathematics as a whole. I have seen way too many students get so downright frustrated and confused with mathematics. It is then that they decide to throw up their hands and give up completely. These students are so used to “failing” at mathematics that they believe giving up is much easier than trying to make the extra effort to change their perspective about mathematics. If, as mathematics teachers, we focused more on teaching students how and why we get specific computations or how we arrive at specific answers, instead of purely spitting out and regurgitating information that is nonsensical to them (and cannot be applied to any real-life situation), the students would thrive and perform at much higher levels in their mathematics courses. Students constantly ask “How will this help me in the real world?” and “Why do I need to know this?” These types of questions emerge in all grade levels, escalating more, as the students grow older. Perhaps all teachers should be spending a significant amount of their time trying to figure out how they can apply math concepts to real-world situations so that their students can understand and appreciate why they are learning what they are learning. It is imperative that they don’t feel like what they’re doing is completely pointless and a waste of their time.
As the teacher, you must be willing to go the extra mile to help your students understand mathematics. Each student should be challenged to a healthy level that will stimulate a better learning environment for both them and their peers. Think about it; if you are not willing to put your entire heart and soul into teaching these kids, why would they want to put their heart and soul into learning what you are teaching them? Show them that they can do whatever they put their minds to, and remember to always encourage them and give them positive feedback. Have faith in your students, and they will have faith in you.