Philosophy of Teaching and Learning Mathematics

The teacher is the most important factor in classroom learning. The teacher organizes.  The teacher manages. The teacher motivates. The teacher leads. The teacher creates an environment in which learning occurs. Learning is a function of the quality of the teaching.

The teacher’s influence reaches far beyond the subject matter that is discussed from day to day. As an active learner the teacher inspires students to attain knowledge. Through his or her interactions with students the teacher influences moral development.  The teacher’s behaviors affect the students’ work ethics.  The teacher’s quest for personal excellence inspires students to strive for higher aspirations.  The person, called the teacher, has a far-reaching influence on the lives of students.

Mathematics plays an integral role in the lives of every member of our society. Numeracy is essential to each functioning member of our society.  The need for mathematical knowledge is increasing as our culture becomes more saturated with technology and information.  Everyone in our educational system must have an opportunity to learn mathematics and to achieve a level of knowledge commensurate with his or her personal potential, needs, and aspirations.  Mathematical knowledge opens doors of opportunity.  Thus, mathematics education must be accessible to all.

It is my belief that all can learn mathematics.  Unfortunately, many in our education system have been erroneously convinced that they cannot learn mathematics.  Not all students have the same motivation or aptitude for learning mathematics.  Not all learn at the same rate.  Not all learn in the same way.  Not all process information at the same rate.  Not all comprehend abstractions with the same level of understanding.  But all can learn, given the conditions that meet the individual learner's needs.  Many students have gaps in their knowledge base.  The mathematics teacher must recognize these individual differences, seek to accommodate these differences, and teach so all can have the opportunity to learn.

Learning is a multifaceted process. Learning occurs from visual and audio stimuli.  Learning occurs from reading. Learning occurs when writing or communicating orally.  Learning occurs from experience.  Students learn not only from the teacher but from each other. Traditionally, mathematics teachers have not utilized all the components of learning.  We must acknowledge, and respond to, the fact that learning occurs in many varied, yet equally important, ways.

Good teaching is crucial to the successful development and growth of children and adults. Good teaching is essential to the success, achievement, and progress of a nation.  Much depends on teachers.  It behooves them to give their best each day.