Paper Topic:

Philosophical statement of teaching and learning mathematics

Teacher preparation is critical to providing successful quality math education

Introduction

It is possible to make every student a successful student . Here success could mean different things to different students and their teachers When the full potential of a student is realized in the chosen avocation , one can infer that success is achieved . Teaching and learning happen the best when there is perceived interest in both the teacher and the learner . Nurturing education through better teaching and learning methods can enhance the ability of a teacher for providing quality mathematics

education1 (Chism ,1998 . Because of the inherent anxiety in math education , additional preparation in terms of understanding the psychology of the students is a critical success factor

Many times we find impediments to teaching and learning either because there is no evident interest in the teacher or the learner or both or there is no proper supporting mechanism / system to augment the teaching and learning

In the following paragraphs , an outline of various teaching instructional methodologies for the teachers and learning strategies for the students are outlined for best possible outcomes for both sides of the equation . These are meant for any teaching including mathematics Based on my own personal experiences of teaching and learning and professional research , I outlined a few of the many methodologies Mention is also made of the importance of overall learning environment

Teaching / Instructional Methodologies2 (New Horizons For Learning ,2002

a . Action Research

Action Research is a very powerful strategy for instructional improvement and provides teachers the necessary skills for solving problems specific to their classrooms and their schools . By using a five step process - question , data collection , data analysis , findings and action plan - teachers can improve their own teaching skills while improving their classroom /school outcomes3 (Reed , 2000

b . Differentiated Instruction

Differentiated Instruction takes into account the various ways in which students learn as against Direct Instruction which focuses mainly on memorizing facts and skills . Differentiated Instruction on the other hand focuses on concepts , understanding , readiness and interest

c . Environment for Learning

The definition or perception of Learning Environment from a curriculum and instruction based learning is changing to an environment for successful learning which is based on a variety of emotional intellectual , visual and spatial stimuli . Schools located in such environs as zoos , museums , culture are redefining the way learning takes place and learning environment is created

d . Accelerated Learning

Accelerated learning is based on the original work of `Suggestology '4 (Dr . Lozanov , 1978 ) which included relaxation , visual arts and music for teaching foreign language students . Accelerated learning takes into account various beliefs /theories such as Learning is dual-planned there is no single stimulus etc . The Core Elements for Accelerated Learning include Physical Environment , Music , Teacher , Positive Atmosphere and a teaching Frame . Teaching Frame in turn includes three phases - Preparation , Active and Passive

e . Teaching for Understanding

This approach seeks to get answers to the three key questions

1 . What does it mean to understand

2 . How do we teach for understanding

3...

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