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While this blog is titled "How to better prepare math teachers for success," I believe that a teacher in any content area can benefit from this good read. The main reason I think that math teachers should read this, is because learning how to explain math problems is going to be a lot more beneficial than just simply knowing how to do them. College students that major in math education focus a good portion of their time taking higher level math classes. While the knowledge of how to do this math is simply amazing, it has to be understood to a deeper extent in order to be able to teach others how to do it.
I believe that this blog is perfect because the tips that she gives can benefit almost every teacher, no matter the content area. One of the techniques that Dr. Baldinger gives to becoming a better teacher, is simply just to listen to your students. It is important to listen to what they have to say, and get a feel for their knowledge and thought process in the classroom. I think that sometimes teachers focus too much on teaching what they need to teach, without fully listening to their students and adjusting based on their knowledge and feedback.
Listening and truly understanding your content area and how to teach it, are some of the most beneficial traits that a teacher can possess. Anyone can understand how to do math problems, but it takes a special person to be able to teach them.
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I think you are absolutely right when it comes down to listening to your students. Just like history, math is all about understanding and seeing students view points from different angles and sides. Teachers also should be able to explain almost every question a student have if not they should at least know how or where to find the information so the student can understand why they are right or wrong.I also believe teachers are special because like you said it takes a special person to be able to teach Math, History,English, and Science.
ReplyDeleteHey Lisa! I also appreciated the segment on listening to your students. Sometimes teachers become so focused on making sure their students master the material that they forget to simply listen. Another key component from the article is believing that all students can learn math. No matter what their background is, every student is capable of growth, big and small. This article is a really good reminder of how to go back to the basics to become the best math teacher you can be. I will be returning to it as I enter the teaching profession.
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