Week #3 Reflection

Reflection

I found this week’s class and readings to be extremely informative as it spoke about the importance of developing a diversity of thinking for both the educator and students. Through the years there appears to be a flawed conception in that individuals have been reared to believe that there is only one way to come up with a solution when dealing with mathematics. Instead of prompting individual thought and growth students are instructed to follow a specific method to find a solution so that there is a universal answer. This undoubtedly proves to be problematic because what happens to those students who come up with a different way to solve a problem? Are they punished and their voices ignored? This weeks readings focused on the idea of remodeling the "traditional" mathematics classroom by incorporating new ideas and devices available. As well the readings suggests that as an educator we must continually work on expanding our own knowledge because the more we better ourselves the more we have to offer our students. 

This lesson proves to be a resourceful piece for a multitude of educators instructing within the elementary, high school and university/ college curriculum as all students have the right to freedom of thought. Educators cannot expect that their students will all think and respond to a problem in a similar manner therefore individuals must be willing to provide a multitude of possibilities to come up with a solution. Speaking from my own personal experience I know that at times I did not understand how a certain product was produced and came up with my own way to solve the problem. I remember that this was not encouraged which caused me great anxiety as I believed that even though my answer was correct I was doing something unwarranted by my educator. My experience has taught me that it is unfair to punish a child for not thinking like others they are not robots and cannot be programmed to perform in a particular manner. Instead educators should work to foster their ideas and encourage them to continue expand their knowledge and way of thinking. These reliable resources act as an eye opener for those within the teaching sphere. They demonstrate and concentrate on the ongoing problem which continues to be suppressed and what their role as an educator is. It is fascinating to hear the voices and opinions of other professionals as it provides a multitude of solutions to solve the problem. 

The key goal for this week was to speak about the importance of making sure that ALL children, no matter race, gender, age or ability are given the opportunity to understand math. As an educator it is our responsibility to ensure that when students grow nervous we take the time to nurture their needs so that their mindsets can change. When we choose to ignore their issues we are not giving them the support they so rightfully deserve. The readings also reminded educators that it is important to put ourselves in the shoes of our students, to understand and be courteous to the fears and uneasiness they may be feeling. 

As a future mathematics educator I have come to the understanding the significance of developing our patience; not becoming upset or angry when a student is unable to understand what we are teaching to them, as well the importance of encouraging individual thought. When we allow students to come up with their own solutions we are fostering their development as an individual. Although yes it is important that we guide them when they need assistance we cannot tell them exactly what we want, or how to do something as it takes away from their ability to become an independent thinker. This week also touched on the idea of allowing students to work to create their own solutions; to give them a question and tell them to come up with their own answer free from our assistance. We cannot expect individuals to learn if we are constantly spoon feeding them, they have to be willing to take the chance to make mistakes and learn from them. I have definitely been able to make a connection between the readings and my own understanding of what an educator should be like.

https://www.pinterest.com/sunfloursk/math-posters-and-quotes/

Week #2 Reflection

Reflection: 

Mathematics is a subject which continues to undergo heavy criticism and disapproval from a wide audience ranging in race, gender and age.The belief that math is a subject enjoyed by few and hated by many has been ingrained into the minds of individuals and has created the idea that it is a concept which “comes easy” or “naturally” for those lucky few. This negative connotation has left many individuals, like myself, to grow anxious and nervous when having to deal with math and instead of trying to improve their knowledge they choose to ignore it all together. Unfortunately I myself have always had a negative opinion in regards to mathematics as I have never enjoyed learning about it due to my own personal struggle with comprehending different concepts. 

Through my years as a student I have realized that in order to succeed an individual must be dedicate to continually update and improve their skills, be flexible to learn new concepts and be open to share their findings and beliefs with others. Students need to demolish their fear around math and realize that everyone can succeed, that there is hope for those who struggle or need extra help. An individual is their own greatest enemy, if they continually convince themselves that they cannot do something they are inevitably setting them self up for failure. As well teachers must be willing to provide the necessary means of support for their students and continually update their own skills. Teachers act as the most influential figure in a student’s academic year and in order to ensure their success they must be willing to accommodate their teaching strategies and provide necessary guidance for all. When an individual cannot grasp a concept, instead of growing angry or nervous it is a teacher’s responsibility to change what they are doing to satisfy their personal needs. As well, teachers must make math not only understandable but fun for students. From both personal and observational experiences I have learned that there is not one concrete way a student learns. This means that educators must be willing to create a variety of teaching strategies and techniques to fulfill all individual needs. This is what I will strive to do as a J/I mathematics teacher, I will make sure that I offer my students a variety of ways to come up with a solution as well provide a variety of ways to teach them. I took math up to grade 12 so feel that I have a sufficient amount of information however do realize I need to refresh myself on both the simple and complex concepts. 

Report 

The areas of mathematics curriculum that will become my focus in my learning over the next few weeks will be how to develop interesting and informative problem solving questions which encompass a specific unit or concept that students will understand and enjoy. I feel that in order to engage individual interest educators must create a curriculum which satisfies a multitude of audiences. When an individual can relate to what is being taught their level of productivity increases which impacts their ability to succeed. I feel this is often the greatest struggle for instructors as it may be difficult to convey interest in a subject loathed by many. By the end of this course I hope to gain a better understanding of how to make math real so that my students will be encouraged to thrive. 

After completing this weeks readings I realize that as an educator we must be willing to reconstruct the face of math. The article Hollywood’s Math Problem written by Carolyn Y. Johnson acts as an informative piece which emphasizes the idea that math has been given a bad reputation due to the fear and anxiety associated with it. In order to change this mindset educators must be willing to change their ways and accept new ideas and ways of teaching into their classroom. I will definitely remember what Johnson wrote as I feel it to be excellent insight for the expectations of the twenty first century educator. 

https://www.pinterest.com/DDibley/quotes-for-math/

http://www.boston.com/news/science/blogs/science-in-mind/2013/01/30/hollywood-math-problem/QpeSkpnIRPrVyIlJbohBOI/blog.html

Introduction

Hello! Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Kristina Galluzzo. I have recently graduated from York University this past June where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and Humanities. I am currently attending teachers college at Brock University for the junior/intermediate program.

Throughout my elementary and high school years I have never been a fan of math due to my inability to completely understand certain units. I am definitely both nervous and excited to be apart of this mathematics course as I would love to not only learn how to instruct students in a fun, supportive matter but be able to strengthen my own knowledge and understanding. As an inspiring educator I realize the negative images and ideas associated with mathematics and I will work my hardest to try and change these negative perceptions.