Battleground Schools

I didn't know that mathematical education was highly conservative. But it made more sense as the article talked about mathematicians who thrived in traditional mathematics classrooms. I personally did well in a traditional math classroom, so I wasn't able to think about other students who may not have enjoyed it. Memorizing formulas drives students to lose motivation and interest ultimately giving them math phobia. I also learned that the United States was worried about a lack of college students who could become mathematicians or scientists during the period of the Cold War. Even in history, the teaching of mathematics was an issue and concerned many people as it was not relevant to their lives. Lastly, the NCTM Standards and the new California Mathematics Framework emphasized skills that are needed in today's curriculum; these included problem-solving skills, understanding mathematical relationships, the use of technologies, and mathematical communication. All these skills promote relational understanding and learning in mathematics. I was able to learn that these skills should be valued and taught in the present day because it was significant even in history.

Updated October 12, 2023

I did well in a traditional math classroom because I liked teaching myself the content and I loved to solve various questions. However, after taking several education courses, I slowly started realizing the importance of diversity in assessments and assignments. I became aware that everyone learns differently. As a teacher candidate, I must remember to implement both traditional and nontraditional teaching so that everyone gets a chance to thrive in their own learning experience. Through this article, I learned that mathematics in education concerned many people as the way it was being taught was not relevant to the students' lives even in history. This is still an issue in the modern world. Hence, teachers must be flexible in their teaching so that their learners can relate and be engaged with mathematics. If we teach traditional and non-relevant mathematics to our students, then they will find no meaning in learning. We need to help students become individuals who can do good for the world and be new leaders for future generations. However, I want to be a teacher who can fully support their learning experience by being flexible and giving autonomy to my students.