Chapter 2

To be an effective Math teacher, I think it is imperative that a teacher understands how children learn math. This can be done through observations and assessments on children to see where the teacher can help and support them. First and foremost, teachers must be willing to learn. She needs to possess a positive attitude, persistent and reflect on her teaching more often than not so that she can further improve. She has to ensure the learning environment best suits learning math and also the appropriate materials made ready for the children to use or manipulate. 

As I went through this chapter, nothing is new to me. As a matter of fact, when I read and reflect back, some of the ideas shared in this chapter are some of the practices that I have been doing in my daily lessons. During Math lesson, I do give children time to problem-solve and make connections. I do encourage children to be active listeners to their peers and share ideas. I also prompt them to further investigate and discuss among their peers. Peer learning to me is another form of a strong tool where children learn better.

All in all, this process does take time and effort. This is something that I would like to work on. Most of the time spent in the classroom is never enough and as teachers it is nothing new that we rush through the lessons.

Chapter 1

Math was my least favourite subject amongst all the subjects that I was taught back in school. But now time has changed and over the years, math concept has been improvised. Learning math is no longer just the teacher standing in front of the class but instead students are entailed to assess their own ideas and be involved in the process and problem solves the questions together. It is crucial for children to problem solve in terms of communicating the terms with the teacher to foster interaction and exploration of ideas in the classroom. In this way, students learn through an active discussion. Math is not only about numbers but it is also imperative for students to be able to make connections to the mathematical terms as well as the world around them. In short, math is used or integrated in most subjects. In math, students also communicate their mathematical ideas through visual aids like charts, graphs and diagrams.

Teachers on the on the other hand, will need to provide an appropriate learning environment with resources that are essential to support the learning of math. Teachers as facilitators need to have a positive mind-set and work hand in hand with the students in going through the process together. Teachers also need to remind students that it is alright to make mistakes. Bottom line is we want the students to be successful and not failing them. As teachers we want them to grow and learn, not to demoralize and make the subject a nightmare.

Hence, I believe that learning math can be easy and enjoyable if a teacher herself thinks that anything is possible. With the right principles and attitude in place, I am sure not only do the students benefit but the teacher will too. A teacher who may fear or hate math may like it more than anyone can imagine.