My Philosophy of Teaching Mathematics
We live in a world where we are surrounded by mathematical concepts that make us think both logically and creatively in whatever we may encounter. Mathematics will always be intertwined into our daily lives and is often used without even recognizing it. That is why it is imperative as teachers to help our students develop the essential skills to become lifelong learners. Mathematics is not just about working with numbers, our responsibility is to strengthen our student’s critical thinking skills, help them become problem solvers, and be able to construct logical arguments. As a future adolescent mathematics educator, my goal is to create a classroom environment that allows students to explore mathematical concepts in ways that they can demonstrate a conceptual understanding of mathematical ideas. I want my students to take the skills they have learned within my classroom and apply them in all aspects of life.
To achieve this goal, teachers have to do more than teach the material to students. As teachers, we have to go one step further and get to know our students. Teachers are compelled to determine ways to have our students see a purpose in what they are learning so that students are actively listening and engaged during the learning experience. Allowing students to participate in hands-on and student- centered activities motivates them to be actively engaged in the learning process. Creating a learning environment where students are able to collaborate with each other will help enhance their abilities to communicate complex ideas/topics. In my classroom, students will be encouraged to create meaning of ideas through open-ended exploration and discussion. Utilizing manipulatives and technology in the classroom will help students transition from concrete to abstract learners. For students to move from concrete to abstract learners, they will have to activate their prior knowledge when problem solving, use their higher-level thinking skills, and learn to justify their solutions with supporting evidence. Teachers also have to take into account that not all students learn in the same manner. Therefore, it is imperative to differentiate instruction to ensure that all students are being supported in the classroom. Providing supportive learning techniques and differentiating instruction accommodates all student’s different types of learning styles and levels of knowledge.
A teacher’s role is to have students grow intellectually and develop skills that will prepare them to function in society as well- rounded people. I plan to make my classroom environment be a safe place for all students to voice their ideas and findings to solutions. I want my students to feel comfortable to ask questions, help each other, and feel confident in any task that they are given. It is important to regularly check students understanding and monitor progress to ensure students are grasping mathematical concepts. Math is not always about having the right solution, it is about the skills a student develops through their own inquiry and thought processes. Thus, utilizing student-centered/ hands-on activities in my classroom, I hope to spark students’ intellectual curiosity and self-discovery.
To achieve this goal, teachers have to do more than teach the material to students. As teachers, we have to go one step further and get to know our students. Teachers are compelled to determine ways to have our students see a purpose in what they are learning so that students are actively listening and engaged during the learning experience. Allowing students to participate in hands-on and student- centered activities motivates them to be actively engaged in the learning process. Creating a learning environment where students are able to collaborate with each other will help enhance their abilities to communicate complex ideas/topics. In my classroom, students will be encouraged to create meaning of ideas through open-ended exploration and discussion. Utilizing manipulatives and technology in the classroom will help students transition from concrete to abstract learners. For students to move from concrete to abstract learners, they will have to activate their prior knowledge when problem solving, use their higher-level thinking skills, and learn to justify their solutions with supporting evidence. Teachers also have to take into account that not all students learn in the same manner. Therefore, it is imperative to differentiate instruction to ensure that all students are being supported in the classroom. Providing supportive learning techniques and differentiating instruction accommodates all student’s different types of learning styles and levels of knowledge.
A teacher’s role is to have students grow intellectually and develop skills that will prepare them to function in society as well- rounded people. I plan to make my classroom environment be a safe place for all students to voice their ideas and findings to solutions. I want my students to feel comfortable to ask questions, help each other, and feel confident in any task that they are given. It is important to regularly check students understanding and monitor progress to ensure students are grasping mathematical concepts. Math is not always about having the right solution, it is about the skills a student develops through their own inquiry and thought processes. Thus, utilizing student-centered/ hands-on activities in my classroom, I hope to spark students’ intellectual curiosity and self-discovery.