My Teaching Philosophy for Secondary Education Mathematics

            I base my teaching philosophy on the foundation that every student is capable of learning mathematics. However, some students believe that they are not mathematically gifted; therefore incapable of learning mathematics. I believe the contrary, that all students with motivation sustained by the teacher and confidence in his/her mathematical skills are essential to the student’s success in the classroom.
            I feel that I need to provide an environment where students are able to succeed in math and start building that confidence and motivation. I believe that math needs to be presented in many different ways in order to grab the student’s attention, as well as provide alternate ways to learn the material. Student centered discussions, hands-on activities, cooperative group projects, reflective writing, technology and some basic lecture are a few of the ways that I like to present mathematical concepts to the students.
            I closely follow the vision set forth in the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Students should engage in tasks that promote conceptual understanding rather than memorization of facts, and they should be able to explain mathematics in writing.
            I refer to Bloom’s Taxonomy of Critical Thought and Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences when I am creating my daily lesson plans to assure that I teach to a variety of learning styles. By teaching to these learning styles and presenting the concept in the ways stated above, I create an atmosphere where success for the student is probable. I consider success to be more likely because not only am I presenting information multiple ways, but I am also encouraging students who understand the material to help others who do not; therefore giving the students a view of the material from their peers.
            Creating this success is the first step in motivation. I believe that once the students understand that math is a subject that they can understand, their confidence and motivation will increase therefore making them more apt to put forth more effort in the math classroom.
            My feeling is that students need to learn mathematics that they will use in future math courses along with developing reasoning skills that they can implement later in life and college. Using computers and technology to explore mathematics provides the students with a great opportunity to visually comprehend mathematics and to enhance their computer skills. I encourage the use of graphing calculators in my current academic setting, and I will continue to be an advocate of teaching with technology.
            I also would like to state, that along with the teaching aspect of creating the atmosphere in the classroom that is most suitable to learning; I believe in having a well-managed classroom. The students are expected to raise their hands to answer questions when material is being presented each day. In the classroom there is to be no talking at the time during the presentation of material (unless raised hand), because I give time to work on daily assignments together, and they will have an opportunity to communicate with each other then. Classroom management is a big key to maintaining a successful learning environment. I strive to keep my expectations of the classroom clear and firm. With these qualities of the classroom, and having a flexible, caring, and determined instructor, provides the students with an atmosphere where learning mathematics can actually be fun!