The Secrets to Becoming a Better Math Teacher |
Many people think the primary qualification for being a teacher is knowledge and mastery of the subject matter. By studying secondary math teacher preparation, I’ve found that most teachers come into the field with a deep background in math. The problem is that the understanding of mathematics gained through advanced university mathematics courses is not well-connected to the mathematics in the work of teaching. For example, most teachers are able to solve any problem in a high school math textbook. But that’s not the same as explaining how to solve those problems in multiple ways so that it’s accessible to many students. It’s really about understanding math in the way that it’s needed for teaching. This understanding is its own complex skill separate from (though connected to) understanding advanced mathematics. A big part of my work is about helping teachers develop the math understanding they need for teaching. Teaching is not simply standing in front of a class to disseminate kn...
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