The push to produce mathematicians, engineers, statisticians, and technology professionals is what drives school districts to implement STEM education curricula in all grade levels and multiple branches of mathematics. To prepare secondary students for an array of careers that involve mathematics directly or indirectly, school districts must continue to promote an awareness and generate interest. Math Education must first be delivered to engage and introduce students to concepts that can be applied to real world occurences. Students are likely to pursue careers that are stimulating and applicable; and also deliver rewarding results. The technology implosion invites our students to discover and embrace careers that support technology and tech advancement.
Math subjects are found in multiple careers that support technological advancement. A strong and solid grasp of a variety of math concepts can lay a strong foundation for students who seem careers in STEM related areas.
Hi Keesha
ReplyDeleteI liked your opening page/post. As a math teacher I too agree that education must be delivered in a manner that will engage the learner - but sometimes this is the hardest task to accomplish.
Sometimes I try to look back and ask myself, what made me like math? What made me want to teach math? How did my high school math teachers influence me? To this day, I am not really sure I have concrete answers - but as a math teacher I truly want my students to be curious and math literate. I want them to develop a mind that understands the world around them mathematically and I truly believe that the 21st century will not be kind to anyone that is not math literate and able to be a problem solver. Technology may be part of the equation but it also may be part of the problem. As teachers we need to make it part of the solution.
Hi Laura,
DeleteStudent engagement is a never-ending challenge that we will always strive to achieve as educators. I loved my math teachers (all, but one) from Junior High to Senior High. Pursuing math in college seemed like a the only major that would challenge me. It is very trying to get students to feel the same passion that we feel. I love the crunch. Math literacy is critical if we will be able to compete with our global counterparts. Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi Kai,
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to have three high school math teachers in the same group. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. Unlike Laura, and I believe you, I did not start out wanting to be a math teacher. My first love was elementary school - teaching everything to little kids who loved school - that was my ideal situation. However, I fell into teaching math to high school girls and I love it. Yet, the only experience in my own math education that I recall as a defining moment was the teacher who pushed me to be the best that I could be and not give in to the stereotype of girls being "no good" at math. At the time, I really thought she hated me. But as I look back, I realize she just wanted to inspire me to live up to my potential. I didn't know it until a few years ago, but she truly was the catalyst that brought me where I am today in terms of my professional choices and growth.
Today, I long to give my girls more than just "it's okay to be good at math". I long to give them an appreciation for the beauty of solving the puzzle and the knowledge that math exists all around them. And this is how I know, as Laura said, the we teachers "need to make it [technology] part of the solution."
Hi Louisa,
DeleteI have to admit, it is quite exciting that we each have similar disciplines. I always appreciate what any educator, at any level, offers. However, it is nice to get the perspective of teachers who share the same subject area. Your comments make me remember, that the majority of my math teachers were extremely hard on me, in a positive way. They saw my potential. Telling our students that it is okay to love math is a big part of the battle of pushing students towards those careers that involve math. Technology is supposed to make our jobs easier, but, it's not. Going back to the drawing board, as it was for us, it will the teacher that influences the student. Thank you for your thoughts.
I just had to get past the "When am I ever going to use this?" question to graduate. I feel as if math were a bit more involved, or career oriented- real life scenarios, many students would seek it out. The STEM programs that we see are great.
ReplyDeleteWe have just set up a new STEM scholars program at my school, and are seeing a lot of great students with some great potential. Not to forget the nice little bit of scholarship that comes along with it.
Hi Rob,
DeleteI would love to hear more about the STEM Scholars Program at your school. They are definitely emerging. We just need to continue to keep our budgets open to fund them, maintain staff, and keep students engaged. I would like to hear more.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete