How has this course changed or not changed your perception of teaching math?

This course has changed my perception of teaching math in many ways. Before taking this course, I thought the way I was taught math in school was going to be the way I would also teach it to my future students. Until this course, I thought math was about rote memorization, worksheets, and formulas. This is probably why for many people who are not good at memorization do not enjoy math and therefore dread having to teach it. After taking this course, my perception of teaching math has really opened up to the possibilities of making math fun and enjoyable for students. Engaging students in hands-on activities, using manipulatives, working in groups, and having students think about what they are doing and justifying their work are all important concepts I have learned to do when teaching math. Before this course, I was also unaware of the power in using concrete, semi-concrete, and symbolic models were. If using these models helped my grasp a deeper understanding of math concepts then I know teaching it to my students will help them as well. I feel better today about teaching math then I did previous to this class.