Mayra's Math Journey
Published on Nov 18, 2015
No Description
MORE DECKS TO EXPLORE
PRESENTATION OUTLINE
MAYRA'S MATH JOURNEY
EARLIEST MEMORIES
- My journey began at Glen L. Martin Elementary School.
- My introduction to numbers and math was a pleasant one.
- The use of visuals engaged me in learning math early on.
- Games were also crucial to me learning about numbers, shapes and patterns.
- I want to instill a firm mathematical foundation in young studengs lives.
My early years learning math in elementary school were positive and enjoyable ones. I remember learning in ways that were fun and engaging. I playing games that helped me learn to count. I also remember learning simple addition using pictures on flash cards and posters around my classroom.
My kindergarten teachers helped me realize the importance of numbers and math, because I knew that it was something I'd use on my everyday life.
I want to instill that same appreciation and connection to numbers in students as they build on their math foundations.
My kindergarten teachers helped me realize the importance of numbers and math, because I knew that it was something I'd use on my everyday life.
I want to instill that same appreciation and connection to numbers in students as they build on their math foundations.
LATER CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
- Math started to become boring and irrelevant.
- Memorization became more important then comprehension.
- I struggled with basic multiplication and later division problems.
- I want children to stay connected to the math they continue to learn.
As I continued on my math journey through upper grade levels in elementary school, math became very stale. It was no longer interactive and engaging but rather boring and tedious.
I recall having to memorize the multiplication chart with no concept of what it all meant and then being asked what 7x8 meant on a flashcard game and not knowing the answer unless I looked at that chart. Through different instruction I was able to understand the process of multiplication and not rely on a chart for the answers.
I want to be able to keep children engaged in math, so they don't find it boring and tedious like I did when the instruction became irrelivent.
I recall having to memorize the multiplication chart with no concept of what it all meant and then being asked what 7x8 meant on a flashcard game and not knowing the answer unless I looked at that chart. Through different instruction I was able to understand the process of multiplication and not rely on a chart for the answers.
I want to be able to keep children engaged in math, so they don't find it boring and tedious like I did when the instruction became irrelivent.
JUNIOR HIGH YEARS
- Joined Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program
- MESA allowed me to learn math in a practical way again.
- Competitive projects engaged me in using math skills.
- A new appreciation for math emerged
- Allowing students to relate math to real life is essential to learning.
In junior high I learned to appreciate math again. I joined a program called Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA). We used math in practical ways to accomplish different projects that we would use to compete against one another and other schools.
I was engaged once again by using math skills in ways that meant something. Having meaning attributed to the math I was learning helped me learn it during this time.
I was engaged once again by using math skills in ways that meant something. Having meaning attributed to the math I was learning helped me learn it during this time.
Photo by fdecomite
HIGH SCHOOL JOURNEY
- I struggled with algebra and geometry.
- The pace of my teachers always seemed rushed.
- Teachers often moved on despite everyone in class understanding.
- I seeked help from my peers and was able to catch up in some areas.
- Assessing students learning during instruction is necessary.
My math journey continues in high school where I once again began to struggle. I had a tough time grasping algebra equations and geometry formulas.
I remember the teacher moving on assuming everyone had a grasp on the subject being taught and sitting there thinking "I have no idea how he got that answer." Most students probably got it but I wasn't one of them. It became a challenge to keep up with a class that wasn't catering to my needs as a student.
With the help from my peers I was able to get by during my high school math years but it wasn't an easy journey.
This experience only confirms that it's important that teachers are able to assess students learning during instruction to give those students who may not understand further instruction.
I remember the teacher moving on assuming everyone had a grasp on the subject being taught and sitting there thinking "I have no idea how he got that answer." Most students probably got it but I wasn't one of them. It became a challenge to keep up with a class that wasn't catering to my needs as a student.
With the help from my peers I was able to get by during my high school math years but it wasn't an easy journey.
This experience only confirms that it's important that teachers are able to assess students learning during instruction to give those students who may not understand further instruction.
Photo by llamnudds
COLLEGE JOURNEY
- Took required college math course
- Positive experience because it was relevant
- Professor made sure all students understood material
- Relatable examples made learning engaging
- Felt comfortable asking questions in class
I made sure to limit my time in math classes during my college years. I took the required math course my first year and haven't taken a math course since.
I had a positive experience in my class because once again it became relevant.
We learned all about using math to calculate APRs on our credit cards and how to read those confusing statements.
My professor made sure to teach us using examples that we we're relatable. She made us feel comfortable asking questions during class.
I had a positive experience in my class because once again it became relevant.
We learned all about using math to calculate APRs on our credit cards and how to read those confusing statements.
My professor made sure to teach us using examples that we we're relatable. She made us feel comfortable asking questions during class.
Photo by Josh Kenzer
REFLECTION ON JOURNEY
- Making numbers and math personal makes a difference
- Games and activities made math enjoyable for me
- Building a strong foundation for young students is important
- Maintaining the level of interest in math is necessary
- Assesment during instruction makes a difference
As I reflect on my personal math journey I realize that I enjoyed math and learned math when it was taught in ways that we're engaging and relatable. Although I had some rough and unpleasant experiences with math I am able to see the value and importance of keeping it relevant to young students today.
I know my math journey doesn't end here and look forward to learning new ways to keep children engaged in math today.
I know my math journey doesn't end here and look forward to learning new ways to keep children engaged in math today.
Photo by Trevor Prentice
