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.
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