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[Assessment 384] Re: Math as a puzzle, or swimmingMdr151 at aol.com Mdr151 at aol.comFri Jun 23 22:52:17 EDT 2006
One of the greatest joys of being a math teacher is to see students dread and hate of math turn to joy for math. One student that comes to mind just recently graduated from a technical college. She shared with me that it took her 9 years to consider coming back to school and facing math. I was so fortunate to have her for a student and watch her fear of math melt away. One way I address math phobia is through journal writing. Students are required to respond to a math prompt, provide examples, make connections and lastly to reflect on their learning. It is in the reflections that the fear and struggles are revealed. I journal back, giving them encouragement and offering suggestions. This particular student's journals showed her excitement in finally understanding math and seeing connections. She continues today to send me emails about math websites she has found or successes she has had since being in college.She was so proud to share that she got an A in technical physics and graduated with honors. I truly believe we must develop a safe environment for math learners, one in which they dare to take risks and not feel stupid in trying and one that offers support in their stuggles. Pam Meader President, Adult Numeracy Network -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.nifl.gov/pipermail/assessment/attachments/20060623/4f271536/attachment.html
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