Mathematics in Education

June 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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Education has changed drastically from the three R’s, reading, writing, arithmetic. Now schools have the pressure of adding character education, art, physical education, music, science, history, social studies, the list seems to go on.

How do schools focus on honing student’s mathematical skills with such a vast array of other subjects that are required in schools today?

Integration is one tool that teachers utilize that connects mathematics to other subjects. While mathematics might be the most challenging to integrate, science often works well and forces students to utilize those precious math skills. Application of mathematics knowledge is key.

Homework is often provided to students to practice the skills that are being taught since there is less time to complete this work in the classroom. Homework is such a controversial topic, since teachers use homework so differently.  Homework realistically should be a review and practice, not take students hours to complete every night. Homework does show parents what skills their child needs to work on outside of school. Unfortunately math is often one of those subjects.

Creativity is often necessary to help students learn new concepts, apply the information on a regular basis and provide opportunities for students to explore with the skills that they’ve just learned. Manipulatives for younger students is often used to help connect real numbers to objects. Board games and other tools are exposed to students that are slightly older, and higher order math gets the old fashioned pencil and paper.

Mathematics isn’t going anywhere in the education system. Teachers are just forced to be more outside the box thinkers to teach and hone skills of their students.

 

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Can Numbers Be Fun?

May 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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Studying math in school isn’t commonly considered fun. Children and adults alike may struggle with basic and complex computations, even when they have a good grasp of mathematics. Can numbers be fun? Fun With Numbers, a blog dedicated to celebrated mathematician Andrew Grothendieck, says yes.

Math doesn’t have to feel like a frightening entity, a subject best-reserved for brainy, scientific minds. Fun With Numbers explores how math affects even the ordinary and the everyday, everything from bank loans to the boiling point of water. Using the ideas expressed by Andrew Grothendieck, Fun With Numbers shows that math can be a recreational activity, not just a subject to be studied in school. Grothendieck is a celebrity in the world of mathematics, an award-winning scientist who later refused to accept the many honors heaped upon him.

From competitive math to every day computations, Fun With Numbers explains how math relates to daily life in a casual, relatable way that makes mathematics approachable and easy. Want to pay off a mortgage sooner, become a master at casino games online, figure out how much that auto insurance policy really costs for the coverage it provides? Fun With Numbers shows readers how to do all of this and more. Readers will even have the opportunity to explore competitive math, a world that most people will never experience.

It isn’t just about recognizing math; it’s about knowing exactly how to use it, too. Fun With Numbers helps to turn math into a game, making it easier to grasp the concept of using numbers. It is possible to be entertained by math, and that’s just what this Grothendieck-centric blog explores. The famed mathematician has lived reclusively since 1991, but his ideas and his way with numbers is still the stuff of math legend. Can numbers be fun? Fun With Numbers proves that they are.

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Becoming a Teacher

May 2, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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To become any type of teacher, there are different levels that can be achieved, and you can work with a variety of people. You can become an elementary teacher, high school teacher, private tutor, or a college professor. There is plenty you can do if you want to become a teacher.

First, decide what type of teacher you want to be and what age group you want to work with. This will help you decide the level of education you will need to achieve your goals to become a teacher.

If you want to become a teacher you are going to have to go to college. Keep your grades up during high school so you can get into the college of your choice. You will have to go through a teaching program, but every school is different and has different requirement; you will generally spend four or five years in school.

After you finish your teaching program you will have to receive a teaching license in the state you wish to teach in. Some colleges grant licenses upon graduation. If you’re not sure how teaching licenses work in your state, contact the education department in your state.

After receiving your bachelor’s degree and possibly getting some experience in the field of teaching, you can continue your schooling in order to receive a Ph.D. so you can teach at the college level. This is only for those that wish to teach at a higher level, but it wouldn’t hurt to continue going to school. In fact, most teachers go on to receive their master’s degree, as some schools require this.

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Teaching Students Percentages Using the Game Percent Flash

February 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Everyone loves to play games especially children. This love of games can be used in the classroom when trying to teach difficult math concepts. Many teachers have started to develop math games that allow the children to use the math concepts they just learned in the classroom in a fun and informative way.

While a lot of the math games are developed around number recognition and figuring out how to add numbers there are multiple math games out there that allow children and students to use difficult math concepts in a fun way. Here is a look at one of the games that have been used to teach difficult math concepts such as percentages of various numbers.

This game is known as percent flash. Percent Flash requires the use of a deck of cards that does not have the face cards in it. The teacher will declare a percentage that the game will play with such as 50%. The teacher will take one card and ask that the students figure out the percentage for that one card. As the game progresses and children learn difficult percentages you can ask for 20% or 35%. You can also use more than one card and ask that the students add the numbers and figure out the percentage for that number. Two ways to keep score is to either reward for correct answers or to award the cards to the student and the one with the most cards wins.

This is a great game to get student to use mental math and figuring out various percentages on different numbers. It is a fun way to inspire children to want to learn and develop their skills in a difficult math concept.

Filed Under: Education, Numbers Tagged With: , , , ,

2 + 2 Equals Human Advancement

January 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Don’t knock the nerdy math teacher. Yes, many of us didn’t care for calculus in high school, and some of us aren’t good with numbers at all. But let’s face it — mathematics is one of the only truly universal languages out there. Adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing — they’re the basis for everything we do in life and how we operate. Even with words and writing, numbers exist!

Here’s the truth: if you have a love for mathematics and are generally good with numbers, you basically have a ton of options at your fingertips as far as online programs out there for education. Think of the possibilities: accounting, general mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, astronomy, and so many more. All of it revolves around numbers. The use of mathematics! Some of these majors lead to some of the most important jobs to date in the world.

Don’t worry; you don’t have to sit in a classroom and be bored by lectures about numbers. Because as said before, numerous online programs exist out there that allow you to do your coursework from the comfort of your own home. Deal with the numbers, do the work, get the grades, and you’re set. While you actually might not have the patience for numbers, if you’re good with them, utilize that! The best advancements in humanity revolve around numbers. So don’t be afraid of math. Thankfully, once you’re ready to go with the highest quality experience for some of the best jobs out there — astronomy and engineering — you’ll notice that all your past boring days of calculus learning and the fraction stuff will simply fade away into memory. The bottom line is your use of numbers will mesh into your basic process of working. It will become your mantra, your code of work ethic.

As said before, don’t knock the nerdy math teacher. Passing on math knowledge — nurturing a young math genius who will later do great things in life — is one of the most important jobs there is.

Filed Under: General, Mathematics, Numbers Tagged With: , , ,

Teaching Math to Young Children

January 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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When you have children, you teach them things from the day they are born – whether you realize it or not. As babies and young children, you teach them how to communicate with you, first by crying or grunting, then by speaking. You teach them to feed themselves, to walk and more. But it isn’t until children are a bit older that people begin to consciously think about teaching them the kind of knowledge that they will use in school as they age. Things like their colors, how to spell their name, and yes, even math.

Even tiny babies have the ability to learn patterns – a basic math concept. When a child is 6 months old or so, he or she may learn repetition or pattern by stacking a few blocks, knocking them over, and stacking them up again. Babies who are a little older are ready to learn about space. You have surely seen children place a small toy repeatedly in and out of a box. That child is learning how elements in our space relate to one another. He or she is learning math.

As children become toddlers, they begin to derive more joy from having their parents and caregivers read to them. There are many simple books available that focus on specific numbers and on counting. This is wonderful way to not only bond with your child, but to introduce more age-appropriate math concepts.

At this age, another great activity to boost your child’s math skills is counting. Develop the habit of counting things with your child. When at the grocery store, count the items you place in your cart. When getting dressed, count the number of snaps or buttons on your child’s clothing. You can even try counting toys, steps, and more.

There is an endless number of ways you can teach your child basic math skills. Make it a habit, and watch your child’s knowledge blossom.

Filed Under: Education, Mathematics Tagged With: , , , ,
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