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.

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