philosophy of teaching math
The art of teaching is about going beyond the requirements and inspiring students to become passionate about learning. I believe that high-quality math instruction at the elementary level is essential in fostering a lifelong love of math, as well as valuable critical thinking skills. By developing an enthusiasm for learning math at a young age, children can grow as mathematical thinkers with the ability to solve problems both in and out of the classroom. In order to encourage this interest in math, it is the teacher’s role to be a “cheerleader” for math, while providing instruction that engages all students and allows them to grow as confident learners.
Through inquiry and problem-based learning, students can develop the critical thinking skills that will help them become good problem solvers in all aspects of their lives. In order to help students connect math to their lives outside the classroom, I believe it is important to utilize real world problems and scenarios. Incorporating technology, such as webquests, is a valid way of enhancing this type of instruction. In addition, taking advantage of cooperative learning during problem solving will also help students be able to communicate effectively about mathematical ideas.
I understand that all students have unique interests, strengths, and “multiple intelligences” (Gardner). For this reason, I will use hands-on and differentiated instruction in order to engage all of my students. Utilizing manipulatives during hands-on instruction will help my students build a bridge from concrete to abstract concepts. Because math is usually geared toward logical thinkers, I believe it is especially important to engage students who think more creatively. I will do so by incorporating literature about mathematical concepts, integrating math into larger interdisciplinary units, as well as using the performing arts to motivate students to enjoy this subject. Overall, making math relative to the students’ interests is key in creating a positive energy during math instruction.
By providing creative math instruction, through the use of interdisciplinary units and real world problem-based learning, students will be able to formulate personal connections with mathematical concepts. As students discover these connections, they will also find a genuine enjoyment for this subject, which will motivate them to be curious and make discoveries about the world.
Through inquiry and problem-based learning, students can develop the critical thinking skills that will help them become good problem solvers in all aspects of their lives. In order to help students connect math to their lives outside the classroom, I believe it is important to utilize real world problems and scenarios. Incorporating technology, such as webquests, is a valid way of enhancing this type of instruction. In addition, taking advantage of cooperative learning during problem solving will also help students be able to communicate effectively about mathematical ideas.
I understand that all students have unique interests, strengths, and “multiple intelligences” (Gardner). For this reason, I will use hands-on and differentiated instruction in order to engage all of my students. Utilizing manipulatives during hands-on instruction will help my students build a bridge from concrete to abstract concepts. Because math is usually geared toward logical thinkers, I believe it is especially important to engage students who think more creatively. I will do so by incorporating literature about mathematical concepts, integrating math into larger interdisciplinary units, as well as using the performing arts to motivate students to enjoy this subject. Overall, making math relative to the students’ interests is key in creating a positive energy during math instruction.
By providing creative math instruction, through the use of interdisciplinary units and real world problem-based learning, students will be able to formulate personal connections with mathematical concepts. As students discover these connections, they will also find a genuine enjoyment for this subject, which will motivate them to be curious and make discoveries about the world.