The days are growing shorter, fall is upon us, and it's time to get back to school. I hope everyone had a great summer break with opportunities to do and discover interesting things.
As a math teacher, I will be helping transition students into the next step of their mathematics education. Inevitably, one question always arises: "What do I need this for?" Particularly with the advanced courses I teach, this is somewhat understandable. Depending on career choice, the applications of the sine function or definite integral may not be a part of one's everyday life. This does not mean, however, that the study is for naught.
Mathematics education in the secondary level builds reasoning and problem-solving skills. No matter the career, in the 21st century students are bound to run into complex problems that require a thorough, logical approach to tackling them. Be it making logistics arrangements for a product to be produced, imported, and sold or correctly diagnosing causes of an error or loss, mathematics and logical thinking will be unavoidable in order to have a successful career.
Of course the concepts and practices studied in the courses will apply directly to university-level study of mathematics. Students who are interested in STEM--science, technology, engineering, and mathematics--careers can find a direct connection between concepts in our classroom and what they will study to prepare for their profession. But the process of learning complex concepts, building upon simple structures, and applying these ideas to think critically will benefit all students. Much like athletes will train with weights, by running, and doing other activities not directly related to what they do in their sport, practicing learning and applying the reasoning of mathematics will help all students approach problems with the critical thinking skills they need to be successful.
And math surrounds us! I will show throughout the year how so many of the things that are a part of our daily lives connect to mathematical principles we study in class. It's amazing how much math is a part of every day.
I welcome all of my new students, and I am looking forward to a great year filled with wonderful discoveries.
As a math teacher, I will be helping transition students into the next step of their mathematics education. Inevitably, one question always arises: "What do I need this for?" Particularly with the advanced courses I teach, this is somewhat understandable. Depending on career choice, the applications of the sine function or definite integral may not be a part of one's everyday life. This does not mean, however, that the study is for naught.
Mathematics education in the secondary level builds reasoning and problem-solving skills. No matter the career, in the 21st century students are bound to run into complex problems that require a thorough, logical approach to tackling them. Be it making logistics arrangements for a product to be produced, imported, and sold or correctly diagnosing causes of an error or loss, mathematics and logical thinking will be unavoidable in order to have a successful career.
Of course the concepts and practices studied in the courses will apply directly to university-level study of mathematics. Students who are interested in STEM--science, technology, engineering, and mathematics--careers can find a direct connection between concepts in our classroom and what they will study to prepare for their profession. But the process of learning complex concepts, building upon simple structures, and applying these ideas to think critically will benefit all students. Much like athletes will train with weights, by running, and doing other activities not directly related to what they do in their sport, practicing learning and applying the reasoning of mathematics will help all students approach problems with the critical thinking skills they need to be successful.
And math surrounds us! I will show throughout the year how so many of the things that are a part of our daily lives connect to mathematical principles we study in class. It's amazing how much math is a part of every day.
I welcome all of my new students, and I am looking forward to a great year filled with wonderful discoveries.