Teaching Philosophy: Learning math is possible for all. It may be harder for some than others, and it may take longer, but it is possible for all. Math is a field that has proven itself over and over again as a way to describe the world around us quantitatively. It is true that every concept of math you learn you may not use later in life, however, there are aspects of math that you will use in every career. If nothing else, mathematics hones your ability to problem solve. The critical thinking skills needed to solve problems occurs without even trying as you learn math. The ideas of looking at your problem, assessing how it is similar to previous problems, is there a pattern?, how it is different, what concepts should you use, and then attempting the problem. After you finish you reflect on whether it is the best way to solve this problem, can you check your answer, can you prove your answer, did someone else do it differently. This approach to problem solving is a natural consequence to learning mathematics. And what is great about mathematics is that because it is systematic, and it takes creativity to solve problems, there are many ways to come to the correct answer, which is usually provably the right answer. But as I said, learning math can be difficult. I believe that everyone studying math, if they study it long enough, will assess how mathematically inclined they are. I tell my students, I have cried over math, but I've also experienced the math high of solving a problem! As you work on math, and study with a math buddy, talk with professors to get clarification on concepts, and do the work, you can be successful in this field. I sometimes wish I had been a better student, I know that if I had taken advantage of office hours more that I would have learned more. I am willing to sit with you and answer questions, and it really is likely that if you have a question that someone else in the class also has the same question. I wish you luck, and hope that you will be exposed to how amazing, and how fun, math can be, while in my class! | Links of interest: Instructional Links: http://www.khanacademy.org/ YouTube Videos: Origami Proof of Pythagorean Theorem http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6lL83wl31E Quadratic Formula sung to "Pop goes the Weasel" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw_utkrePdM Math Jokes: http://boingboing.net/2011/10/20/pizza.html http://failblog.org/2011/10/12/epic-fail-photos-win-its-not-that-your-service-was-irrational-just-your-tip-amount/ http://jeanerz.com/blog1/2008/05/22/imaginary-friends/ http://www.bordom.net/view/47241/Tan_Lines http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391 http://imgur.com/OClyb http://joyreactor.ru/post/27568 http://www.demotivation.us/dance-lessons-1248416.html |
