Mathematics is the universal language which makes it an attractive subject, but unfortunately not everyone thinks it is. More than half of students think that it is boring, complicated, and hard. Nonetheless, as a student who has been studying math, I always loved that any math problem has an answer even though there might be different approaches to solve the problem. There is a variety of ways to learn math as well. Therefore, I thought that I could share my passion with students by teaching math. I firmly believe that I can change the negative view on math as a teacher by focusing on how students learn math in the classroom.
To make math fun and interesting, as an elementary school teacher, building students’ conceptual knowledge in math is very essential. Students must have a clear understanding of math concepts before they learn complicated math including rules, algorithms, and procedures. When they understand the concepts, activating their procedural knowledge is important. To develop conceptual and procedural knowledge, I will incorporate differentiated instruction into the classroom. Differentiated instruction includes direct, inquiry, and cooperative learning lessons. These lessons should contain a positive learning environment, ongoing assessments, evidence-based strategies, and group works. Teachers also must know that every student has a different learning style when they create lessons. Some students are visual learners. Other students are auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic learners. Therefore, differentiated instruction and acknowledgement of the diversity in the classroom will allow students to be engaged and participate in lessons.
Incorporating technology and hands on activities into the lesson is a great method of differentiated instruction. An effective math classroom should have a smart-board and computer. Students can learn math in a variety of ways like watching videos, playing online activities, and using interactive tools. There are many math tools that can be used in the classroom such as Desmos or Redbird Mathematics which offer Common Core content. These tools include online instructions and math games that students can independently learn and practice their math skills. Technology is very effective not only for visual and auditory learners, but for all types of learners. Hands on activity can be adding and subtracting with blocks and it would be great for kinesthetic and visual learners. Students are not just sitting in the classroom to just solve problems so it makes math more fun and engaging.
To promote students’ problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills, teachers should have not only teacher-centered instruction but also student-centered instruction. Students should know how to process mathematics by themselves and apply the skills that they have learned. The role of a supportive math teacher in an elementary school is to provide a variety of opportunities to explore math and to teach how to improve their thinking process in math so that students can build their foundational skills in math. As a teacher, it is important for me to help students understand math based on their individual needs with provide students a variety of opportunities to be successful in a math classroom.
To make math fun and interesting, as an elementary school teacher, building students’ conceptual knowledge in math is very essential. Students must have a clear understanding of math concepts before they learn complicated math including rules, algorithms, and procedures. When they understand the concepts, activating their procedural knowledge is important. To develop conceptual and procedural knowledge, I will incorporate differentiated instruction into the classroom. Differentiated instruction includes direct, inquiry, and cooperative learning lessons. These lessons should contain a positive learning environment, ongoing assessments, evidence-based strategies, and group works. Teachers also must know that every student has a different learning style when they create lessons. Some students are visual learners. Other students are auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic learners. Therefore, differentiated instruction and acknowledgement of the diversity in the classroom will allow students to be engaged and participate in lessons.
Incorporating technology and hands on activities into the lesson is a great method of differentiated instruction. An effective math classroom should have a smart-board and computer. Students can learn math in a variety of ways like watching videos, playing online activities, and using interactive tools. There are many math tools that can be used in the classroom such as Desmos or Redbird Mathematics which offer Common Core content. These tools include online instructions and math games that students can independently learn and practice their math skills. Technology is very effective not only for visual and auditory learners, but for all types of learners. Hands on activity can be adding and subtracting with blocks and it would be great for kinesthetic and visual learners. Students are not just sitting in the classroom to just solve problems so it makes math more fun and engaging.
To promote students’ problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills, teachers should have not only teacher-centered instruction but also student-centered instruction. Students should know how to process mathematics by themselves and apply the skills that they have learned. The role of a supportive math teacher in an elementary school is to provide a variety of opportunities to explore math and to teach how to improve their thinking process in math so that students can build their foundational skills in math. As a teacher, it is important for me to help students understand math based on their individual needs with provide students a variety of opportunities to be successful in a math classroom.