Begin to explore some of your experiences with Math and Science either in school or more preferably outside of school. What were some of those experiences? How did they shape you into the person you are today? What do you wish your teachers knew about you? Use some of the sentence starters below to begin to frame your thinking and to rekindle your path:
* I first remember doing a math problem ………………………….
* I do (well, poorly) in math because……………………..
* I am the (worst/best) in doing _______ I know this because……………………….
* I (depend/don’t depend) a lot on my calculator, since ……………………
* I prefer to work alone/in groups, because…………………………
* Which type of math has been easier for you Algebra or Geometry? Why do think so? Which type of science has been easier or more challenging for you Biology or Physics, or Chemistry?
* How do you learn the best? At home working alone. Working with a group outside class? When I get many of the same kinds of problems to do? When I use what I know in new situations?
* I get the most bored in math class when………………………….
* I get the most interested in math class when …………………………….
* Any other comments/ideas that you have regarding your life and mathematics would be appropriate.
As educators, it is critical for us to embrace our journey through life so that we can be conscious
* I first remember doing a math problem when I was very little and my mom would have my sister and I count the change in her purse so we could practice adding.
ReplyDelete* I do well in math because I was part of a math, science and computers program in middle/high school. I gravitated toward the subject and I got to specialize in it.
* I don’t depend on a calculator a lot because I don’t feel like I understand concepts as well when I’m not practicing them by hand. Calculators frustrate me.
* I prefer to work alone because then I can work at my own pace and get everything done.
* Which type of math has been easier for you Algebra or Geometry? Algebra is easier for me because it focuses more on getting the feel for the numbers rather than on logic and proofs.
Which type of science has been easier or more challenging for you Biology or Physics, or Chemistry? I love biology and it comes easy to me. Physics is challenging for me because it can be very abstract.
* How do you learn the best? At home working alone? Working with a group outside class? When I get many of the same kinds of problems to do? When I use what I know in new situations?
I learn best by working on my own, but being able to ask questions when I need to. Working with a group doesn’t allow me to try things out and experiment for myself, and I get slowed down by being in a group.
* I get the most bored in math class when I already understand what is going on.
* I get the most interested in math class when I can do hands on work.
I first remember doing science problems through my explorations and curiosity of nature. My parents were firm believers in the outdoors and I grew up spending a great amount of time gardening and playing. I often would question why something was a certain way- “Why is the owl only out at night?” “Why do the fireflies glow?” and all of those childhood curiosities. The encouragement and support I received growing up, from family and those special teachers allowed me to excel in science.
ReplyDeleteAs math and science go hand-in-hand I have used it throughout my studies and career thus far. Advanced mathematics though, beyond what is necessary for my content area (basic algebra, some geometry, a little trigonometry, and some probability/statistics calculations) is beyond my comfort level. I don’t use advanced mathematics often, and so am not comfortable doing/ explain advanced concepts in other forms/ways to my students. For basic calculations and quick conversions I don’t need to depend on my calculator since I have a working knowledge, and basic comprehension, and memorization of common calculations. I worked at a non-profit for many years and had to calculate every purchase by hand (or with a calculator). I found that I got better and even quicker over time with practice. Without this practice though, I find that I lose the sharpness of my skills. As a visual and kinesthetic learner when it comes to mathematics, I find geometry the easiest to understand. If I am able to draw out the problem, or set up a situation, then I can work with it better- my interest is captured. I get bored if I am being told to work on some problem set, that of which I know or can see no application/ relevance in my life.
For the most part I prefer to work alone for most assignments, because I am able to then set my own pace (which tends to be a “quick-get-it-done”). There are times though, that I find that having the ability to bounce ideas off of another helps me develop my thought process and deepen my understanding. I learn the best through group discussion and readings. I tend to outline my readings and pull out key information to learn.
Biology has been my forte in the sciences. I believe that I have found this topic to be easiest for me to understand is because I have the opportunity to use multiple senses to explore and learn about the topics at hand. Chemistry on the other hand has been a struggle over the years, because it is so conceptual. I have a hard time “visualizing” something that is beyond the microscopic level.
* I was about 5 years old when I first introduced to math, actually about half a centry ago.
ReplyDelete* Math was always my strongest subject for many years. However, I stopped doing math long time ago.
* I actually can do mental math, I am very strong at it, because I know the concept.
* I basically never use a calculator, because it takes away the problem solving and the beauty of doing math.
* I can work alone as well with groups when it comes to math.
I am very flexible, however, I prefer working alone.
* I perfer Algebra over Geometry because I like numbers and I am very good with them. Geometry is more complex and harder for me, numbers to me are all logical and make much more sense.
* I like to do Biology over Chemistry and Physics. Biology has to do (in my opinion) has to do with reality and actions. Chemistry and Physics are more challenging.
* I like working at home in my big table in the kitchen. I do not like to be botherd while I am studying. I also can work with groups because at times you can ask questions if you need help.
* I actually never get bored doing math. Math for me comes very easy, and I just like doing it. I work with kids everyday in math.
* I am always interested in learning about math. In my opinion, math is beyond human comprehension. I like to do the actual work.
It is too bad that this class is focused on math an science when all content areas are intended to take it. I had to change the wording a little for my responses in an art setting.
ReplyDelete* I first remember doing art when I was four years old. My mother grounded me because I made a huge mess with all of my toys. She took away all of my toys and gave me just a pencil and paper to play with. I drew musical notes. My parents were so impressed with my previously unknown capability and encouraged me to do art ever since.
* I do well in art because I learn best visually. Seeing something drawn out helps me to learn and so I've learned to look closer at things in life and can recreate them in art.
* I am the best in doing realistic oil painting. I know this because I have sold a few painting before.
* I depend a lot on my calculator, since I'm not mathematically inclined (much).
* I prefer to work alone, because sometimes groups can have too many ideas and then it is not focused. I'd rather do what I want to do.
* Which type of math has been easier for you Algebra or Geometry? Why do think so? Which type of science has been easier or more challenging for you Biology or Physics, or Chemistry?
I don't even know what to write about for this....
Which type of art has been easier for me: 2D or 3D?
2D is a lot easier to work with because I've had more experience with it. 3D is harder because you have to think about how it will remain intact. It is a challenge, yet it is rewarding. I like doing both.
* I learn best by researching information on my own at home or by reading articles in magazines. I'm always interested in visual images to help that learning process.
* I get the most bored in art class when it is a lecture. Most teaching just teach the information but don't teach why it is important to that student.
* I get the most interested in art class when I can go work on a project without a teacher instructing me.
* Any other comments/ideas that you have regarding your life and art would be appropriate.
I was an okay student growing up, but my love was in art. Many of your students are the same way. I hope that you can find ways to incorporate visual learning into your curriculum as well.
I have been a mathematician for as long as I can remember. I do not have any recollection of my first mathematics problem; that's too far back.
ReplyDeleteMy father did use to tell a story that I think was probably partially apocryphal. When I was eight or so, shortly after the Rubik's Cube had first come out, we were at the home of a retired parishioner who liked puzzles. He showed me a scrambled cube, saying he'd been wrestling with it for a while. I'd never seen it before, so I took it off to another room while my father visited with him. Some twenty minutes later, the parishioner asked how I was doing, and I handed him the solved cube.
I have always been quick to grasp mathematical concepts. At the same time, I also love language and communication. This feels like who I am, so I can't really say why. I just tend to see a lot of connections between things. It has often gotten me in trouble, actually, because I often struggle with understanding that other people don't always see the connections the way that I do. I have tended to not be so great at dealing with people as with words and numbers, although I haven't struggled with understanding students who are slower to understand than I feared I would be.
I use the calculator as a tool, not as a crutch; I'll use it to verify more difficult problems, and also to resolve things like 2√2π, mostly because students seem to need to see those values in decimal form.
I tend to prefer to work alone, largely because I struggle with getting along with other people. On the one hand, I tend to be arrogant; on the other, I am often mystified as to why anyone would want to work with me, and therefore I worry about getting on people's nerves. :)
I can't say whether algebra or geometry is easier for me. They're both such complex fields that it seems trivializing to say which is easier or harder. Likewise with the sciences; I prefer physics because there's so much mathematics.
I learn the best on the fly, trying to solve a problem. In recent years, this has been most obvious when I'm doing computer programming. If I don't have a meaningful end that I'm working towards, I tend to lose focus much faster.
Personally, I usually zoned out during mathematics classes as a student when I felt like I wasn't learning anything that I couldn't just figure out on my own, or that I already knew. The times that I remember being most engaged is when the teacher got to the end of a complicated problem and the answer didn't match what was in the book. The challenge was to find the error, and I didn't trust that the book was always right.
As a teacher, I'm disappointed that when my answer doesn't match the book, students tend to see this as an opportunity to challenge my mastery of the material or as proof that the topic is too difficult for them rather than as a challenge to figure out what the cause of the disconnect is.
Thanks for your response, Paul. I find you comments about a "meaningful end" and how you tend to lose focus. How do you create "meaningful" ends for your students and how can you design such experiences for youth in your unit?
Delete* I first remember doing a math problem in late elementary school. Our teacher introduced the number pi and showed us an unusual way of cutting a circle into pizza like slices and rearranging them to form a parallelogram. We were then able to find a circle's area using this seemingly magical formula.
ReplyDelete* I do well in math because I find it to be interesting and have always been fascinated that numbers can be used to prove or disprove countless situations.
* I am the worst at reading. I know this because I do not read as much as I should. Also, being from a scientific/mathematical background, I approach things from an analytic perspective and dissect everything that I read. I have become so use to picking equations out of sentences that I am an extremely slow reader no matter what I am reading, this in turn makes reading tedious for me.
* I don’t depend a lot on my calculator, since I am very comfortable with mathematics and numbers. But I do depend highly on my calculator when checking solutions or trying to teach calculus. The instant gratification of seeing that the calculator got the same answer that you arrived at, give a sense of accomplishment and success.
* I prefer to work in groups, because it is more challenging and fun to help one another understand the concept at hand. Although, I do work better alone and feel as though I could get more accomplished, the social interactions and diversity of thought, provide a more stimulating and enjoyable environment.
* Geometry was a bit more intuitive and I was just able to see two congruent angles or two parallel lines, and this made the subject very easy. But, I enjoyed the challenge of Algebra more and found it to be more fun.
* All of the sciences have been very intriguing to me and seemed to follow a very logical and understandable pattern. Although my undergraduate degree is in Physics, I still find it to be the most challenging and also the most interesting. Physics is the most fundamental of sciences, and many aspects of chemistry and biology are derived. I find chemistry and biology to be a bit easier than physics, but I have never not liked a science course.
* I learn best after seeing someone present the material and do a couple examples. I then learn best at school, trying to help others with the same concept. I have learned that the best way to really learn a concept is to check others' work and look for mistakes. This really tests your knowledge of the subject matter and forces you to reason why one student is correct and another is misguided.
* When I get many of the same kinds of problems to do, I usually take my time to do the first few, just until I believe I have gotten the idea. Then I will try to speed up my ability to manipulate the equations or problem at hand, and try to get faster and faster and solving problems.
*When I use what I know in new situations, I first try to make obvious connections to prior knowledge and determine if this connection is appropriate given the circumstances. Then I start to read into the details of the situation and try to find subtle connections which could have been overlooked.
* I get the most bored in math class when I have mastered the concept and the class is moving at too slow of a pace. I can see this happening in some of my students today, and I am struggling with how to juggle differentiating instruction for the advanced students and also for those who need remediation, but still keep everyone engaged and on task.
All mathematics and numbers themselves, are a complete mental construct derived as the ultimate form of indisputable proof; while physics, chemistry and biology use mathematics as the primary tool to describe the workings of the known universe and everything it encompasses.
Whether you use math to prove the workings of the universe, or you use it to play card games or sudoku, math is a mental exercise which stimulates the mind and keeps you sharp.
One of my first memories of math was the trauma of failing my fifth grade measurements test. From that point on I did well in math but I was always apprehensive about my skills. I do well in math now because I always pushed myself to try even if I felt uncomfortable, later as I built my understanding I had a strong foundation to work with. I try not to depend on my calculator because I think it keeps me sharp practicing working with numbers, I prefer using calculators for reasoning purposes, and sometimes I am too lazy to find one. I really enjoy working in a group setting because I think that it helps build understanding when you can cooperate to come up with solutions or ideas, and I think that it also gives you an opportunity to teach others so that it really solidifies your understanding.
ReplyDeleteIn math I feel more comfortable with algebra. I have had more practice and more teaching opportunities with algebra than geometry and throughout my high school geometry class we spent more time coloring than learning content. However, I have tried to build an interest towards geometry and a more in depth understanding of it. In terms of the major categories of mathematics I like the topics of analysis better than algebra (abstract). Looking back on all the math classes I have taken I think I have enjoyed classes that were engaging and that have provided me with insights that I did not have before, I always have been bored in classes that have lectured from the provided text and have given little insight that deviated from that “script”. In science I have always enjoyed chemistry because I have enjoyed the math component and the mixture of science and reasoning.
I really attribute my ability to think logically and reason to my study of mathematics. When I finished my undergrad degree I felt severely inadequate because I was surrounded by some of the smartest people I have ever encountered. However, working outside of the field of mathematics I excelled because of my drive to learn and comprehend. I want that for my students. I want them to understand that math is more than content it is a way of building your understanding of everything around you.
Thanks for writing. I really appreciate you sharing your story and in particular, your philosophy around using math as a means for "understanding of everything around you." Very powerful. What implications does this has for your unit?
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ReplyDelete* I first remember doing a math problem back in Kindergarten. I had a great teacher, but I didn’t really care about going to school. I just went because I had to. I was the typical little boy – haha. It came a point when we had a test and when I looked at the test it was like I was looking at Latin or something. I had no idea what to do, so I just copied off of my friend’s test.
ReplyDelete* I do well in math because I have a logical mind. As I learn/learned mathematics, the connections just form. I don’t have to really work that hard to form the connections; however, I do have to work hard to study and learn the mathematics. I could never memorize very well, which requires me to make connections in order to remember material – this is why I do well in math.
* I am the worst in doing memorizing. I know this because it takes me forever to memorize something simple.
* I don’t depend a lot on my calculator since I know mental math and understand the concepts of mathematics that allows me to do mental math in higher capacities besides basic operations.
* I prefer to work alone and/or in groups. It depends. I like working alone depending on the requirements because I know what I want to get out of a task and I do it. No one holds me back and I don’t have to go through anyone. For other tasks, I like groupwork. Some tasks I’d rather not do, so in a group project I’d run the group and assign everyone their tasks – tasks for which they relatively enjoy doing. This way everyone is happy. Also, I like groupwork because everyone can work together to reach a common goal and bounce ideas off of each other. Working in groups can be fun too. I enjoy peoples’ company.
* Which type of math has been easier for you Algebra or Geometry? Why do think so? Which type of science has been easier or more challenging for you Biology or Physics, or Chemistry? Overall, I didn’t struggle in math except with geometric proofs. I knew why things worked in math, so proofs really weren’t that bad, but I think my teacher just didn’t teach proofs that well and graded them awkwardly; so, when it came to actually writing one, it was difficult. I also didn’t really study how to do proofs either, so that’s my fault. For science, I hate Biology. My bad Bio folks! This is because of the excessive memorizing of concepts my high school bio teacher tried to make me do. I wasn’t interested, she didn’t make it interesting, and she wanted me to memorize things that I thought were pointless at the time. No thank you.
* How do you learn the best? I learn best by learning by myself initially. When I have questions, I seek help via a group…I had to do a few study groups in college – they were very useful to me after my initial study stages.
* I get the most bored in math class when the teacher is boring. I like math, but if you’re boring, I’m sleeping. Sorry. This goes for any class. Don’t lecture to me and be boring. I’m gone if you do.
* I get the most interested in math class when the content is exciting. Like I said above, I enjoy math – and if you are an exciting person, I’m more engaged too. I’m like a child - haha.
* Any other comments/ideas that you have regarding your life and mathematics would be appropriate. Math used to be my weakest subject in elementary school (next to reading – my elementary school put me in a reading remediation program). In high school, I took more math than anyone else in my school district. Then onto Wayne State – Go Wayne! – from there!
Thanks for writing, Jordan. Interesting to read that math was your weakest subject and now you are teaching. Is there a difference between reasoning and math?
DeleteI was weak in all subjects in elementary school, but I was extremely weak in reading - to the point my school pulled me out of the regular classroom and placed me with a reading specialist.
DeleteTo answer your question: there are definitional differences between reasoning and mathematics; however, when taking a mathematics class you're really taking a reasoning and logic class...so yes and no. Math is reasoning, but reasoning isn't always math.
*I first remember working with science in my backyard just by playing with all of the different animals and insects I found, trying to figure out what they look like and how they react to different things.
ReplyDelete*I do well in science because I want to know how things work around me. I don't do so well when concepts aren't tied to the real world.
* I depend a lot on my calculator, since in high school all of my advanced math class used calculators for everything. I automatically use a calculator to the point where I will find myself adding something like 1+2 and kick myself.
* I prefer to work alone because I tend to get distracted in groups. I can focus a lot better and get the task done if its just me.
* Which type of math has been easier for you Algebra or Geometry? Algebra was easier for me, I think mostly because I'm not a very visual person and I didn't like working with shapes. Which type of science has been easier or more challenging for you Biology or Physics, or Chemistry? Physics has always been most challenging for me. I have a hard time imagining how things are going to move and what is going to happen without actually calculating it out.
* I learn best at home working alone or debating things as a group.
*I get bored in science and math classes when reviewing old material or going over something I learned in the past. In high school I changed schools and had to take the same math class twice because they worded their classes differently- that was one of the things that turned me off of math because I was so bored my junior year when I had already learned everything in the class.
*I'm most interested in my classes when I am learning something new that has some relevance tied to it. I like to know why I'm learning things or how it relates to the real world. Or I like problems that challenge me but aren't completely beyond my ability level.
Thanks for sharing, Jenna. Why can't we structure our classes to be similar to just "playing around" in our backyards exploring and learning at the same time?
Delete* The first time math made an impact on me was wen I was in the 7th grade and I started making connections in math and was able to do more complex math problems. This was when I started enjoying mathematics.
ReplyDelete* I do well in math because I don't give up. Keep trying until I get the right answer or collaborate with others to figure out the problem. I enjoy the computation and I like learning new information.
* I don’t depend a lot on my calculator, since I learned math without a calculator. Calculators are a crutch that the students use and it prohibits them from being able to get a full understanding of basic computation and reasonableness of answers. Calculators can also be used as scaffolding especially in high school when the students foundation is weak. The teacher must discern when it is prudent to introduce the calculator in the lesson.
* I prefer to work in groups when planning a lesson. I think that the collaboration with other teachers provides more perspective on the topic and also helps promote more creative ideas for lessons. I have really benefited this year working with my partner and other classmates at DSA.
* Which type of math has been easier for you Algebra or Geometry? I really enjoyed both algebra and geometry. I haven't taken a Geometry class in a long time but I remember enjoying the class. Algebra was also a fun class. Algebra is also a very important foundation higher education. The only part of geometry that I didn't enjoy was proofs because we weren't encouraged to prove anything until this point and for some reason it was difficult for me to grasp the concept. So I guess that this makes me better at Algebra.
Which type of science has been easier or more challenging for you Biology or Physics, or Chemistry? I really enjoyed physics. For me Physics was a good combination of math and science. I never took Biology. Chemistry was ok. I remember in college I didn't do well in my first Chemistry class and I had to get tutoring to get a B. My second Chemistry class was better but I never really enjoyed the subject.
* I learn best working in a collaborative environment. Through college and even when working as an engineer I worked in groups a lot. Working with a group helped produce different perspectives of how to approach and solve a problem. I think that this helped come up with the best answers since we had several minds working to solve the problem. I can work alone but I think I produce my best results when I can work with a group and take the ideas to help formulate a solution.
* I get the most bored in math class when there is too much talking and not enough interaction/practice.
* I get the most interested in math class when there is a challenging problem that needs to be solved.
I really enjoy math and as a teacher I want to make math accessible to all students. I am caring and positive when teaching because I remember the impact the words of my teachers had in my life, positive and negative. I hope that I can be a positive influence in the students lives because I know that it could affect their perspective on math.
Thanks for sharing. I would be interested in hearing more about the "connections" you made in the seventh grade.
Delete* I first remember doing a math problem when I was in the penny candy store and trying to figure out how much candy I could buy with $1.
ReplyDelete* I do well in math because I realize that there is no magic to math and it just takes practice and perseverance to make connections with mathematical concepts.
* I am the worst in doing anything related to cooking, I know this because some of my dishes turn out awful.
* I depend on my calculator at times to check my work.
* I prefer to work in groups, because I’m able to generate more ideas with others, have more eyes to check for mistakes and be encouraged to take risks.
* I believe that Algebra is easier than Geometry because it is the study of rules and operations. Chemistry was challenging for me because during the lab section, I was afraid of burning or blowing something up during an experiment.
* I learn best by working with a group outside class. I like to bounce ideas around and get a different perspective or outlook from others to test my knowledge of a topic.
* I get the most bored in math class when there is strictly lecture and no application of the concept.
* I get the most interested in math class when I can make a connection to the concept and identify an application in the real world.
* I want to be a constant learner of math and I want to have multiple examples of why math is important especially when students ask the typical question “Why we need to know this?”
Thanks for writing. I love your final question and wonder how you address this question in your own classroom in way that provides authentic, real-world examples
Delete* I can't remember when I first did a math problem, but I do remember the math workbooks in second grade. There were rows and rows of math problems on a page, all of them usually illustrating the same concept or math fact: 1+3=, 11+3=, 21+3= etc. After the first three or four problems I could see they were repetitive, and I couldn't see the point of having to do them all, so I would take out my crayons and decorate the page, making it difficult to write over the wax markings. I had skipped 1st grade and this was my first year at St. Mary School. I didn't understand the "set work" protocols. After my Dad attended the first parent-teacher meeting in October, I discovered that it was indeed possible to complete all the problems, wax and all, which I did sitting in my Dad's home office after dinner for a couple of weeks. I figure my Dad probably made sure my math skills were strong, but may have killed my artistic leanings.
ReplyDelete* I do well in math because I have always been able to follow the logic. I always enjoyed seeing where the next thing would lead.
* I am the best at drawing weird obscure pieces of information from the labyrinthine recesses of my brain, but I am the worst at mundane information like where I last put my car keys, my cell phone, my glasses...I know this because I love games like Trivial Pursuit or wide-ranging conversations at parties, but I have had to have my husband or daughter bring me car keys after leaving my keys locked in the car ( once with the engine still running) three times in the last 12 months.
* I do not depend that much on my calculator because I rarely remember where I have left it or one of my children is using it, and I am pretty good at mental math or using pencil and paper.
* I prefer to work with groups because I believe I do better work in a group. I can be creative but I am not one of those people who can be
put into a room with blank walls and come up with original art. However, I am very good as a catalyst in group or at playing off off others and synthesizing something new.
* I think I prefer Algebra over Geometry because I think I do better with words than pictures. I loved proofs in Geometry class, though. Even so, I do better when I read the directions than when I try to use only the diagrams when trying to assemble something. I was worst at Biology. Not sure why, except it didn't interest me as much. I think Physics and Chemistry felt more "logical" to me.
* I get most bored in math class when I have to sit for more than 45 minutes or when it's very repetitive
* I get most interested in math class when there is an interesting problem to solve or a different way to look at something.
*
So interesting to read about your father's role in building your confidence in math. How might content area reading increase your students confidence in math?
DeleteI first remember doing math in the third grade... I believe the subject matter was long division. I remember that wasnthe firstntopicnthat I ever had trouble with, and my mom showed me how to do it.
ReplyDeleteI do well in math because it gives me a way to be creative, but still organize my thoughts. I can think very sparatic at times.
Algebra was easiest for me than Geometry until this year. This year I am teaching Geometry and it has given me a new perspective on the subject. Geometry has so much potential and teaching possibilities than Algebra.
I get most bored in math class when the instructor tries to fit slot of information in a little amount of time. Math is a tool, but what good is the tool when one does not learn it's capabilities.
I learn best by exploring on my own and then bouncing ideas off others.
I depend on the calculator when I am mentally tired and do not want to calculate arithmetic.
I find it interesting that you use math to be creative. I wonder how?
ReplyDelete* I first remember doing a math when I was 6 1/2 or 7. My younger sister and I would daily count the money we had in our piggy banks :-)
ReplyDelete* I do well in math because I like the logic that is involved in working out certain math problems.
* I don’t depend a lot on my calculator, since I was taught to not depend on the calculator. However, I am just now adapting to using the TI-84 calculators in the classroom which is very helpful with figuring out some algebra problems quickly.
* I have mostly prefer to work alone because I tend to get more done that way. I also find it easier to focus when I am alone.
* Which type of math has been easier for you Algebra or Geometry? I think Algebra is easier for me because it was one of the main math subjects I enjoyed and it came a little easier for me than Geometry.
* I get the most interested in math class when I can see the connections to real-world applications..
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DeleteHere are my comments. Ask questions if you'd like.
ReplyDeleteAs a science student, I can’t say I had very many good teachers. Most of my exposure to science, I don’t even remember anymore. I had my best experiences in science when I got to college. My first Organic Chemistry teacher was amazing. Her love for educating us and for chemistry made me love chemistry. Likewise, my experience in the medical school labs at Wayne State with Dr. Dunbar allowed me access to other world’s I didn’t even realize existed for me. He was probably harder on me than any other teacher I had experienced before, but I understood him and his methods and I learned a great deal that I am truly thankful for to this day.
I think my education overall shaped me in a sense that it made me dread academia, but love the ability to do for others what was not done for me. I didn’t always realize why I was doing anything I had to do other than I didn’t want to get in trouble. I didn’t always enjoy what I was doing, but when I learned something, I didn’t mind that part. The only thing I think I wish that my teachers had known about me was that I had issues, and even though I was a good student, I still needed their attention so I could be a better student.
* I first remember doing a math problem as an elementary school student.
* I do well in math because it has always just made sense for me to follow steps.
* I am the best in doing nothing. I know this because I finally accepted that in life there is always someone better at something than you are so learn from them and grow.
* I don’t depend a lot on my calculator, since my teachers rarely ever let us use them.
* I prefer to work in groups, because it gives me someone to bounce ideas off of and helps me think of more ideas.
* Which type of math has been easier for you Algebra or Geometry? Why do think so? Which type of science has been easier or more challenging for you Biology or Physics, or Chemistry?
Algebra was always easiest for me because it was about balancing things out and basic math was always easier.
Chemistry was always easiest for me because I was really good in math.
* How do you learn the best? At home working alone. Working with a group outside class? When I get many of the same kinds of problems to do? When I use what I know in new situations?
I learn best when I have examples to follow, clear cut steps and then I am allowed to actually do what I see. It really depends on what I am trying to accomplish, but working alone where there is background noise, but no major distractions works almost as well as working in a small group for me.
* I get the most bored in math class when I don’t understand something.
* I get the most interested in math class when I can solve problems.
* Any other comments/ideas that you have regarding your life and mathematics would be appropriate.
I never really realized until I began to teach math as a substitute how little I actually knew about the “what” or “why” of mathematics. I learned the “how” in abundance, but I never really learned much about what is this connected to and why is this important. I learned steps, but not very much application. It was very difficult for me to convey that information to my students as a result.