Philosophy of Teaching Mathematics
Mathematics is a word that frightens people of all ages. Many people do not understand why we need mathematics in our daily lives. This is because people are often discouraged by their lack of knowledge of the subject and may dismiss math as too difficult or unnecessary. However, we cannot go a day without using mathematics. Mathematics is a subject in which you can get a solution through trial and error of many different procedures. It is our job as educators to change a student’s viewpoints on mathematics. In order to do this, there are various ways to make math “fun” and apply it to everyday life situations.
The combination of math and education can be a scary mix for elementary school children. They struggle with math in their early years and their disdain for the subject carries through to their college years. However, if you make the subject fun they will learn it more easily and therefore enjoy it more. As a teacher, you must demonstrate the purpose of mathematics in everyday life to the students. This will steer them away from the question “When will I ever use this?” For example, teaching fractions becomes more relatable when comparing a piece of a pizza pie to a fraction. When teaching addition, it is helpful to use tangible items, such as buying groceries. Having students add up the cost of the items and incorporate the sales tax makes addition easier to grasp.
As educator’s we must start emphasizing to all students that the concepts we are teaching them in every subject are related to everyday life. The more we try to make each aspect of school more entertaining, the more the student is going to respond with a positive attitude. My contribution as a math educator is to help ensure my student’s willingness to learn.
The combination of math and education can be a scary mix for elementary school children. They struggle with math in their early years and their disdain for the subject carries through to their college years. However, if you make the subject fun they will learn it more easily and therefore enjoy it more. As a teacher, you must demonstrate the purpose of mathematics in everyday life to the students. This will steer them away from the question “When will I ever use this?” For example, teaching fractions becomes more relatable when comparing a piece of a pizza pie to a fraction. When teaching addition, it is helpful to use tangible items, such as buying groceries. Having students add up the cost of the items and incorporate the sales tax makes addition easier to grasp.
As educator’s we must start emphasizing to all students that the concepts we are teaching them in every subject are related to everyday life. The more we try to make each aspect of school more entertaining, the more the student is going to respond with a positive attitude. My contribution as a math educator is to help ensure my student’s willingness to learn.