Math Games

Mathematics is a subject which continues to undergo heavy criticism and disapproval due to the complexity of various concepts. Many academics often find mathematics to be intimidating due to their inability to fully grasp and develop skills. The twenty-first century educational system has begun to stray away from previous practises of instruction to better nurture and accommodate diverse learning needs. Contemporary academics are no longer satisfied with traditional methods of instruction due to the influx of resources readily available. The incorporation of technology has become heavily ingrained in the classroom allowing for further expansion of creativity, independent thought and understanding. The inclusion of digital resources has proven to have significant benefits towards academic success something which instructors must keep in mind when conducting lessons. 

In addition to technology being incorporated into the classroom activities which develop and strengthen skill level has gained rapid popularity. Our third class focused heavily on the inclusion of mathematic games to develop and encourage student understanding and motivation to learn.  When academics realize that math can be fun their level of willingness to participate and expand understanding significantly heightens. Academics need to come to the realization that mathematics is not something to fear instead it should be applied to every day life. 

The creation and implementation of mathematic games in the classroom focus on heightening student learning and comprehension. The games act as skill challenging activities that allow for innovative and analytical thought.  Observing the interactions which my fellow peers had while participating in the activities definitely increased my knowledge of the benefits of math games. Participants were having fun, we were all laughing and actually enjoying the planned activities. Additionally we were practising and utilizing various mathematical skills and concepts significantly heightening our sense of understanding. 

Educators act as the most influential individuals throughout an academics educational and psychological development for they are the ones supporting and guiding their knowledge. Instructors can no longer be content with past conventional practises as they no longer satisfy the learning needs of contemporary learners. Instead they must be willing to update methods of instruction to better accommodate the diverse learning needs of students. Educators can no longer accept traditional methods of instruction for they will enable contemporary academics the ability to grow and expand their knowledge. Integrating mathematic activities into the classroom is an example of breaking through traditional practises to better enable academic expansion. Throughout my academic journey I had always struggled with math due to my inability to fully grasp various concepts. My confidence levels were minimal as I received little support from my instructors however it is through these negative experiences that have allowed me to recognize the importance of acting as an effective instructor.  Had I been shown that math can be fun perhaps my level of willingness and ability to learn would of increased. The speaker  Alex Kajitani in the Ted Talk video discusses methods and ways that math can be cool for students which supports what I have discussed. 

The speaker demonstrates the importance of connecting learning with student interest to better satisfy their academic growth  As a contemporary educator I understand that all learners have various educational needs therefore I must be willing to work with them to better their ability to grow. I also understand the role I play in nurturing student growth therefore I must be willing to continually update my understanding and skill level so that I can offer a more prosperous learning environment for all.

Math Mindsets

The mindset that mathematics is a subject understood by few and hated by many is once which continues to dominate the minds of twenty-first century academics.  Students are often reluctant in pursuing studies and careers involving mathematics due to the fear which stems from the negative connotation associated with it. Academics  have been lead to believe that unlike other subjects of study, math does not come naturally for all. These negative labels have resulted in mathematics representing a figure of intimidation enabling academics to gain true appreciation and adoration towards math. As a contemporary educator I recognize the importance of deconstructing negative ideals and instead demonstrate that no matter race, sex or intelligence everyone has the capability to thrive in mathematics.  It is an individuals willingness to expand their knowledge which allows for their success. When educators provide students with an inclusive, nurturing learning environment they are better enabling their ability to academically develop. 

Throughout my academic journey I always held a very negative opinion towards mathematics. I had a  fixed mindset, unwilling to further my knowledge due to the biased, negative opinion I had constructed. As a result I struggled, I did not enjoy math and instead I became very anxious. My parents were always great supports, they always reminded me of how smart I truly was even though I often felt this to be untrue. Unfortunately however due to my inability to shift my perspective towards math I did not see the truth in their thought. Instead I was fixated on the idea that because I was not born to understand math I would never succeed with it.

The engagement of our second mathematics class focused extensively on the correlation between supporting a growth mindset through positive encouragement and academic success. Having a growth mind set, especially with mathematics, heightens their ability to grow. When an academic allows themselves to further develop their skill level they are bettering themselves in a multitude of ways.  An academics thirst for knowledge must continually be fed by those around them in order to heighten their success. Their educators become the most influential figures therefore in order to ensure their success they too must be willing to accommodate and alter their mindsets.

As a student I remember having a negative mindset in regards to mathematics. I recognized I did not excel and therefore believed it was due to my inability to be mathematically gifted. In addition my educators did not provide encouragement or support instead I was often belittled and punished due to my inability to comprehend concepts. As a result math represented an image of fear, I knew I would never be good therefore never took the time to learn more, instead I only worried about doing the bear minimum to pass.  Now as a future educator I recognize that it is my responsibility to demolish students fears against mathematics and provide them with a nurturing learning environment. The Ted Talk video examines this idea providing suggestions and straggles to better encourage student success.

The speaker Jo Boaler presented in the Ted talk video discusses the idea that all individuals have the ability to succeed in math. Her speech focuses on demolishing the negative viewpoint associated with math and examines methods and approaches educators can utilize to a heighten academic growth.  Contemporary educators must work on demonstrating to their students the positive attributions that follow from developing math skills. It is time to deconstruct the negative ideals associated with math and instead encourage academics to appreciate all which math has to offer.

Making Math Fun Again

I would like to begin by sharing how excited I am to have the opportunity to once again participate in a mathematics course which aims at constructing knowledge on how to become a successful twenty-first century educator.  Last year our course focused heavily on understanding what it means to be a  successful mathematics instructor. Through various activities we were demonstrated numerous teaching strategies which focus on creating nurturing learning environments for different types of learners. This year I am eager to continue to expand my scope of understanding and learn new instructional methods and techniques that can be incorporated into future classrooms.

To begin our first class together we were instructed to try out a virtual, online game. This game did not provide us with any instructions instead we were required to use basic knowledge as well communication with peers. This simplistic activity demonstrated the importance of not bombarding students with heavy information based lessons. Although it is important we provide academics with guidance and instruction we cannot limit the way in which they can arrive to an answer. This concept I feel is the largest reason why so many academics struggle with math. Throughout my academic journey the idea that math was very linear,that there is only one definite way to receive an answer was widely accepted. If an individual had gone against conventional methods they had been labelled flawed or incorrect. This had always been a major issue for myself. Many times I had been unable to comprehend the method being utilized and because we were only taught one way I struggled in developing skills, understanding and confidence. This mindset is without a doubt flawed, why should students feel limited as to how to think?  As educators it is essential that we feed students imagination and process of thinking for this is what allows them to become independent, successful academics.

When reflecting upon personal experiences as a math student they all appear to be negative. Math for me was never enjoyable, it was not a subject which I looked forward to, instead it was one which I feared, it was one which caused me great anxiety.  Upon personal reflection I find myself asking why did I have such fear and hatred towards a subject which is extremely beneficial and relevant in life?  In addition to having educators with very limited scope of instruction I did not realize how important math truly is in our every day lives. Math is all around us, we utilize it in our every day lives, whether it is figuring out taxes, discounts or even slicing up a pizza to divide over a group of people. As a student, had  I been given the opportunity to learn how important math is perhaps my outlook towards it would be different.

The Tedtalk speaker presented in this video discusses the importance of shifting the traditional face of the mathematics classroom. As a twenty first century educator I recognize it is my responsibility to ignite the passion of knowledge for my academics. Of course it is important that they gain the fundamental concepts of math but why must it be taught in such a boring manner. Instead instructors should be challenged to teach students how a concept effects their every day live. Providing students with the opportunity  to make these connections furthers their thirst for learning.

Participating in this course provides me with such an amazing chance to learn how to teach and inspire students to become strong, successful learners. This is perhaps the most important component to nurture student success. As a contemporary educator I will work towards defeating the negative concepts associate with math and instead teach students to appreciate what math has to offer.