Teaching mathematics not only requires a vast knowledge of several different branches of mathematics, but also the skills involved with being able to effectively communicate it. I believe the best learning occurs when students formulate their knowledge by constructing it themselves, so I will teach using the inquiry-based technique. Each lesson will provide the proper scaffolding for the next, with students constructing an individualized understanding of every concept that will ensure their success in all future learning endeavors.
Teaching with a student-centered approach also provides me with the ability to employ differentiated instruction techniques in my classroom. Students can learn at their own pace, and I can provide them with the necessary supports or additional challenges to ensure their individual needs are being met. For a student that struggles with learning or excels at it, I will provide them with either prompts to help them complete the work or more complex problems to challenge them, depending on their individual needs. No matter the learning level of the student, with this style of instruction, they are able to actively participate in their own learning. This can be best achieved through a combination of individual and cooperative learning. Through individual work, students will learn how they learn best without needing the help of others. When students engage in cooperative learning, they will build upon each other’s understanding of the concept. I will encourage students to use, and improve, their problem-solving skills to answer questions. This will allow them to evaluate the legitimacy of each other’s ideas and create new questions that will enhance their learning experience.
To guarantee my students’ success in mathematics, I will have them participate in hands-on activities where they use manipulatives and their critical thinking skills to complete the task. This will give students the opportunity to think abstractly and further their conceptual understanding. As an educator of mathematics, my main goal is to foster my students’ learning and provide them with the analytical skills needed to succeed in all future math classes and life in general. By the end of the year, my goal is for my students to have a working quantitative and qualitative literacy and for them to be able to see the never-ending applications of mathematics in the world around them.
Teaching with a student-centered approach also provides me with the ability to employ differentiated instruction techniques in my classroom. Students can learn at their own pace, and I can provide them with the necessary supports or additional challenges to ensure their individual needs are being met. For a student that struggles with learning or excels at it, I will provide them with either prompts to help them complete the work or more complex problems to challenge them, depending on their individual needs. No matter the learning level of the student, with this style of instruction, they are able to actively participate in their own learning. This can be best achieved through a combination of individual and cooperative learning. Through individual work, students will learn how they learn best without needing the help of others. When students engage in cooperative learning, they will build upon each other’s understanding of the concept. I will encourage students to use, and improve, their problem-solving skills to answer questions. This will allow them to evaluate the legitimacy of each other’s ideas and create new questions that will enhance their learning experience.
To guarantee my students’ success in mathematics, I will have them participate in hands-on activities where they use manipulatives and their critical thinking skills to complete the task. This will give students the opportunity to think abstractly and further their conceptual understanding. As an educator of mathematics, my main goal is to foster my students’ learning and provide them with the analytical skills needed to succeed in all future math classes and life in general. By the end of the year, my goal is for my students to have a working quantitative and qualitative literacy and for them to be able to see the never-ending applications of mathematics in the world around them.