Technology and Math

When it comes to using technology in practicing mathematics, I believe that less is more. In other words I feel that students should be able to do basic math functions and problems without a calculator or computer program. I especially believe this is true for high school math courses. Math is a subject that builds on each topic, so if a student can learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide as a foundation, their future topics will build from there.

Teacher/Student Relationship

One of the most important aspects of a child's education experience is their relationship with their teachers. I believe that a teacher should make his/her students feel at ease in the classroom while still maintaining a sense of authority. I want my future students to feel open to come to me at any time and ask me questions, discuss their concerns on the course, and not feel like I would judge them in any way. This will ease the stress of going through school and make the students feel more comfortable.

Practice makes Perfect!

As an educator, I believe that practice of the subject makes for a perfect grade. This is especially true in math. I will assign homework after each topic is taught and I will expect students to complete these assignments. When the assignments are due, I will allow a question and answer time in order for the students to have all their questions on the homework answered. This way, the students will have a good understanding on the topic and will be able to move on smoothly to the next topic.

My Expectation of Students

As we have already discussed, students will be setting goals to achieve during the course of my subject. With that being said, I will have high expectations for my students as they should have for them selves. I understand that each student is different and all learn at different rates; however, I believe that students should place goals for them selves that stretch their learning abilities. This technique will allow them to achieve higher goals and eventually set even higher goals later in life. I also believe that this can be a source of motivation for students.

Student's Classroom Goals

It is my belief that each student should take them time at the beginning of the school term to set goals for them selves. I will allow time for my students to do this goal setting project. The goals I will expect them to set for them selves will be as follows:
What grade do you expect to get in this course?
What percent of the homework assignments do you expect your self to complete?
How many hours to you expect your self to study out side of class?
By setting these goals for themselves, students will have standards that they expect them selves to meet. I believe this will not only help them in the classroom, but also in the world outside of the classroom.

A Student's Oppurtunity to Learn

It is my opinion that each and every student should have the same opportunity to obtain and understand the information being taught. In other words, I want my students to feel open to ask questions, get involved in discussions, and truly understand the subject at hand. With that being said, I feel it is my job as an educator to bring this ease and comfort to my classroom. I plan to do this by creating one-on-one time with in help classes, being available at all times (by email, pone, etc...), and by allowing question and discussion time with in each topic being taught.