I am writing this blog without total understanding of how everything is working. My sister just attended some classes on technology and called with all the excitement of her new learning. Then my brother sent a link to his blog that he created to use with his students. In his email connection, there was a place to create a blog. I thought, "Why not?" Now I'm just a little beyond my understanding. I do understand how a blog works - I read several on a regular basis. I have figured out how to post - and have actually received a response (from previously mentioned brother.) I then received a link to a humorous video about technology that tells me that all the things my sibs have been talking about have reached "the tipping point" in our society. http://www.jibjab.com/view/227044
I suppose that means that my sibs and I are way behind the times. : )
It occurs to me that one characteristic of people who do well in math is persistence and a willingness to jump in and try things without being 100% sure this path will take them to a solution. It's a willingness to accept the uncomfortable feeling of being just a little adrift. I think many times students only see teachers work problems that are not really "problems" for the teacher. The teacher quickly knows the direction to go and completes the problem with ease and little thought. The student thinks it should be that simple for them. They don't realize that even adults spend some time struggling if they are working a real problem. At least the little girl in my profile didn't realize that. She thought either you got math or you didn't. She didn't "get math" until she entered geometry class. That gave me a lot of empathy for people who struggle with mathematics. Throughout my career I have worked with many children and adults who find mathematics a puzzle. Developing a confidence in them even though the struggle may be long is one thing I tried to inspire in my students. Hopefully I found some little bit of success in that quest.
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2 comments:
I've always loved math and still enjoy finding the solution.
I was always intimidated by math because my older sister was so good at it....at least I thought she always was. I just learned today that she struggled too sometimes. I find that some of my brightest math students want to stay comfortable and don't tell me when they don't get something..but my struggling math kids will jump right in. I think they are used to feeling uncomfortable and so that uneasiness doesn't bother them as much.
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