A new year, a new semester, a new beginning. This is my mindset. It is a fresh start from the previous semesters and having a positive outlook is always a must. This semester I am taking four math classes as well as an education class so having a positive outlook may seem quite difficult. Adding to the semesters classes, I am also a volunteer/substitute at a high school. So I try to know information about any class being taught so I can help out as much as possible. So in my mind I am taking or need to know information about eight or more math classes all at the same time. Think I'm crazy yet? Trust me it is very possible.
Having this semester in mind, I was excited to take math 229, math activities for secondary teachers, because I thought it would help me to be involved with students when I am volunteering. While attending class the first day, I found that the experience of volunteering for the past four years may actually help me with the class discussions. I have been able to observe and form opinions about many of the topics discussed in class. I also come from a family of teachers so teaching is kind of "in my blood."
So far in this class, I feel we have been focusing on the fact that everyone learns things in a different way. No brain works the same way. Which is why I think many students struggle in class when topics are only explained in one way. In my opinion the number one thing teachers need to know how to do is to teach and explain things in different ways. Teachers also need to find a way to put themselves in their students shoes and try to understand how the students approach problems. The worst feeling for a student is when they think they will never learn the topic because they think there is only one way to find the answer and they are just not understanding it. Students learn in so many different ways. I have noticed while volunteering that a teacher can explain a concept to the entire class and a student might not understand. However, later on when explained in a different way, maybe using modeling with different colors or a hands on object, the student might understand it right away.
I am really looking forward to the rest of this class and so far I am enjoying it. I hope to learn a lot for my future teaching career.
