Talk:History and Pedagogy of Mathematics
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Wiki Activity October 15, 2008 Mathematics Education (Kimberly Carns EDT 630)
I have just recently discovered that I do not understand math as well as I thought I did. I always made straight A’s in math (even in college). I was great at memorizing formulas and learning how to plug numbers into them. After taking two MEC courses offered by the Greater Birmingham Math Partnership, I have realized that I never truly understood what I was doing. I think it is important for teachers to focus on the learning process in math just as much as the content. I think there is a place for both in the classroom and we need to find an equal balance. Students need to collaborate and use high thinking to problem solve. Students should use many different strategies to solve one problem versus memorizing an algorithm that does not make sense to them. The traditional computation has its place too. Traditional algorithms can be just one more strategy the students use as long as they understand why it works. Computational skills are important and sometimes the best way to reinforce those skills is through repetition and practice. This is where I think computer software programs can be a wonderful tool in the mathematics classroom. Students can practice computational skills on the computer in a more fun and interesting way than pencil, paper and textbook. There are also computer programs out there (like Investigations) that encourage students to manipulate shapes and numbers and promote problem solving. I think it is important for teachers to consider using the tools available in their classrooms to promote different types of learning for multiple intelligences and talents. Computers are just one more way for us to offer a variety of teaching strategies in mathematics.
