Philosophy of Teaching Mathematics
The key to being a successful mathematics teacher is not only increasing students’ knowledge but also inspiring them. Unfortunately, there are certain obstacles that may occur even before teaching a mathematics lesson that may make this a more daunting task. While I am of the firm belief that everyone has the ability to learn mathematics, I have found that many students have the misconception that they are incapable. Therefore, to be a successful mathematics teacher, my first role is to help my students overcome their fear of the subject and to help them believe that each one of them is capable of understanding the concepts that are being taught. In order to eradicate students’ fears, it is important to create an inclusive environment that provides continuous opportunities for success.
An essential piece to creating an environment that encourages and inspires students to learn is using differentiated instruction. As a teacher, it is important to understand that not every student learns the same way. Expanding beyond traditional mathematics teaching, teachers can easily present mathematical concepts in multiple ways. Whether it is incorporating manipulatives into lessons, having students become physical representations of the math they are learning, or creating games that allow students to work at their own pace, there are a variety of techniques that can be used to teach math. By allowing students to work with mathematical concepts in ways that appeal to them visually, kinesthetically, and tactilely, teachers are helping students make their mathematical understanding more concrete.
Another crucial element to creating a successful learning environment is making lessons relevant to students’ lives. Since mathematics is a fundamental component of the world around us, the opportunities to make connections between the material being taught and students’ lives are endless. The more students are able to clearly see the relationship between mathematics and the world around them, the more successful they will be. One piece to building this relationship is integrating mathematics into other subjects. Whether it is using technology, calculating measurements, or reading stories that incorporate math, connections can be made between mathematics and any other subject. By connecting mathematics to subjects in which students may feel more comfortable, teachers are helping students secure their understanding of mathematics and increasing each student’s chance for success.
The goal of teaching mathematics is to inspire and support students as they secure and increase their mathematical knowledge. As students are guided through their lessons, it is the teacher’s responsibility to stress that math is not about getting the correct answer but about becoming more aware of how the world around us works. By providing knowledge and tools in an accessible manner, every student will have the opportunity to be successful in mathematics.