Teaching Philosophy Statement: My teaching philosophy is based on the belief that students need a safe learning environment in order for deeper understanding to take place. I believe, based on my prior experiences and research, that active learning allows students of all learning styles to gain a deep mathematical understanding of content. Active learning also offers opportunities for students to explore and utilize the eight Standards for Mathematical Practices that are listed in the Common Core State Standards. To accommodate for the various learning styles of students, I believe that a variety of assessment techniques should be utilized, along with encouraging and implementing a student-based learning atmosphere. These ideals are what drive
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In a mathematics class, this eliminates the opportunities for deeper understanding of content if the student cannot share his or her thoughts with the rest of the class. It also puts pressure on the student which can handicap their full thought process. For me, when I am stressed about an unsafe environment, I also shut out others ideas. This means that I cannot move forward in thought processes, which then breaks down my confidence in mathematical reasoning. Many students face this every day, which hinders their learning. I plan to create a safe environment by encouraging individual think time, group discussion, and then full class discussion. This allows all students to have time to reason their own thought processes, so that they may focus on their peers. Also, I believe a student should never be told they are wrong. Instead, have a class discussion on the logic behind the problem. This opens doors for active …show more content…
I believe that students should be “tested” by how well they communicate their knowledge, and how they can communicate another peers’ processes. Many students need tangibles, or to describe what they are thinking in full detail using a chart or even paragraph. I believe it is not fair or logical to assess students based on a multiple choice test. Even if short answer is an option, students should still be given the same tools that they have been provided with during in- class discussion. Even though I do understand that students need to be able to solve problems logically without the use of tools, assessments should not be the place to remove them. Instead, during class work and discussions is where students should approach challenges to not use certain forms or methods in investigating and solving problems should take place. By allowing students appropriate time with manipulatives and then moving toward more abstract expressions of content, students will form a deeper understanding of the content. This improves student reasoning, which in turn strengthens their ability to work through standardized test problems. This encourages discussions and questions that will lead to an active and safe learning
In a mathematics class, this eliminates the opportunities for deeper understanding of content if the student cannot share his or her thoughts with the rest of the class. It also puts pressure on the student which can handicap their full thought process. For me, when I am stressed about an unsafe environment, I also shut out others ideas. This means that I cannot move forward in thought processes, which then breaks down my confidence in mathematical reasoning. Many students face this every day, which hinders their learning. I plan to create a safe environment by encouraging individual think time, group discussion, and then full class discussion. This allows all students to have time to reason their own thought processes, so that they may focus on their peers. Also, I believe a student should never be told they are wrong. Instead, have a class discussion on the logic behind the problem. This opens doors for active …show more content…
I believe that students should be “tested” by how well they communicate their knowledge, and how they can communicate another peers’ processes. Many students need tangibles, or to describe what they are thinking in full detail using a chart or even paragraph. I believe it is not fair or logical to assess students based on a multiple choice test. Even if short answer is an option, students should still be given the same tools that they have been provided with during in- class discussion. Even though I do understand that students need to be able to solve problems logically without the use of tools, assessments should not be the place to remove them. Instead, during class work and discussions is where students should approach challenges to not use certain forms or methods in investigating and solving problems should take place. By allowing students appropriate time with manipulatives and then moving toward more abstract expressions of content, students will form a deeper understanding of the content. This improves student reasoning, which in turn strengthens their ability to work through standardized test problems. This encourages discussions and questions that will lead to an active and safe learning