What Math and Being a Math Teacher Means to Me
What Do Mathematics and Being a Math Teacher Mean to Me? Mathematics, for me, is a science of systematic way of thinking. Symbols (e.g. numbers) are meant for representation, accuracy and precision. Mensuration, which is very useful both in practical purposes and other sciences, is a great example as proof. Manipulation of these symbols produces systematic representation and pattern. For an instance, an individual who is good in constructing, determining, and manipulating equations as well as inequalities most likely has systematic/analytic way of thinking, enabling him to see patterns and systems. Furthermore, systematic way of thinking induces order and organization which is evident when it comes to assessing how mathematics is related in various fields. This may sound cliché, not to mention idealistic, but the kind of Math teacher I want to be is an encouraging yet an authoritative teacher. I really hate students who lack discipline (well, nobody likes them though). A very demanding instructor is not kind of instructor that I want but authoritative enough to induce respect and obedience from my students. It’s not I want my orders be always carried perfectly, but I want to be someone who’ll make my students think and decide properly in every situations they’ll face. Learning simply follows if they know what is right and they’re willfully doing it. My vision as a teacher includes being an encouraging one. An encouraging teacher can motivate the students to learn lessons by themselves. Learning isn't something that only teachers have the responsibility. Students have to do their part, too. How would they do something that they don’t want to? I really believe that if a student has the will to learn, it doesn't matter if he is smart or not, as long as the teacher is creative and strategic enough to blend with the best way his student can learn. And that’s what I’m working at now: I want to discover the most effective ways of teaching students especially those