New Insights and their Implications

Within these first couple weeks of math class, I have obtained much important information pertaining to the teaching of math. The first area that I have gained much insight into is the teaching methods of mathematics. I have always been used to "drill and practice". In other words, many of my elementary and high school memories of math class consisted of here's the formula, here's how you do it, and here is your assignment. However, as I have learned from reading chapter four and classroom discussion, this method is not benefiting our students. The graphs presented on the first day of class really helped me to gain an understanding for this information. It seemed as though we were doing everything wrong in relation to the countries that were showing success in the area of math. These statistics implicate that we need to go about teaching mathematics in a more beneficial way to our student I am slowly developing an understanding for the teaching methods being presented in this class both from the reading, and the group assignment we have just completed. I am eager to learn more.

The second area of study in which I have gained much insight into revolves around the state and national standards. When we first began talking about these standards I was somewhat overwhelmed. However, through class discussion I was able to develop an understanding for the reasoning behind involving the national standards into the math cirriculum, and the importance behind them. As we have learned, the state standards are somewhat broad, giving us no area to pinpoint our lessons. However, by referencing the national standards and the focal points, we are provided with more direction into what our students should be studying.