On the first day of my math class this year I stated that, I HATE MATH. I now re-track that statement because I realize I HATED the way I was TAUGHT MATH. In both elementary and high school I was taught that if you didn't follow the formula and get the correct answer you were wrong, I was always wrong. I was never taught to use a different formula or way for solving the problem. If I tried a different way and got the right answer I would get marks off for, "show your work" because I did not complete the question the way the teacher had taught me. This was why I hated math.
The second week of classes I was introduced to a whole new world involving math that I never knew existed. A world where there are multiple ways for solving problems and there are multiple right answers, where group work is encouraged and learning is interactive. Math now seems fun and interesting instead of boring and stressful. I feel each week I will like math more and more because I finally have a teacher that can make me understand it! That is the key! A math teacher that allows his or her students to explore math in the ways they like to learn. The subject of math seems like a totally different world from what I experienced back in elementary and high school. Math is changing, it has changed for the better. Students are encouraged to think outside the box, ask hundreds of questions, explore their reasoning and work cohesively with their peers.
In last week's class our teacher re-introduced us to manipulative's. I haven't been in a math class in over 6 years let alone a class where we were allowed to use manipulative's. The last time I used these genius tools was probably in grade 3, so 14 years ago. Now as an adult I see how important these tools are for teaching students the basic concepts in math. Many students are very visual and tactile learners. Therefore, when manipulative's are thrown into the picture this can help explain and solve the math problem that children struggle with.
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| Taken by: Courtney Helt. Math Manipulatives. (Picture Image). 2016. |
As well, we learned that there are several ways to solve the same math problem...some ways are better than others and maybe that's why I hated math so much, I was taught a difficult way.
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| Taken by Courtney Helt. Smart Board Questions. (Picture Image). 2016. |
I look forward to each week and what I will possibly learn next. If you are like me then stick around and perhaps this blog can help make a math believer out of you!
Till next time,
Cheers, Courtney
Courtney, boring and stressful were words I would use to describe my previous math experience as well. It was interesting from our readings to learn that there are so many other aspects of math that matter beyond just getting the right answer. Things like seeing connections and patterns, representing the same thing in different ways and generating your own questions about the problem to help guide you in your problem solving process. This was not the math I remember either.
ReplyDeleteManipulatives would be a great way to implement differentiated instruction. They could be made available for regular use as part of an IEP for a student or an accommodation on their test. It's nice to see the changes in the way math is being taught since I was last in school. I think it will go a long way to help prevent kids from being turned off of it early on.
Hello Courtney! I can relate to many things you mentioned in your post and it is probably why I enjoyed reading it so much. I hated math for the exact same reasons you mentioned, it was stressful and boring. The key point I share with you is how you discovered that it was not the subject you hated but the method it was taught to you. I think it is sad we spent all these years convincing ourselves and others that we hated math and we were not good at it.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your point that math is changing for the better in allowing students to think outside the box. It is about time.