WHAT I HAVE DONE AND WHAT I WILL DO IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION WORLD
As a student in a University, I try to cast about many problems that could I find in mathematical education, classical and modern learning method. We conscious if mathematical education must be appropriate with a new era or be up to date in this time. Therefore, we must find the innovation about how to teach well in this time.
Mathematics education is the practice of teaching and learning mathematics, as well as the field of scholarly research on this practice (Wikipedia). So the first I must know about the history of mathematics. In this case, we will find about mathematics from elementary mathematics that it was part of the education system in most ancient civilizations.
I had studied a little about mathematical teaching method. Then I could find out some fault about how to convey a mathematical knowledge. So we must use the mathematical teaching method witch is appropriate with the circumstances, starting from student, a prior knowledge of student and learning method. The method or methods used in any particular context are largely determined by the objectives that the relevant educational system is trying to achieve. Methods of teaching mathematics include the following( Wikipedia ) :
Conventional approach - the gradual and systematic guiding through the hierarchy of mathematical notions, ideas and techniques. Starts with arithmetic and is followed by Euclidean geometry and elementary algebra taught concurrently. Requires the instructor to be well informed about elementary mathematics, since didactic and curriculum decisions are often dictated by the logic of the subject rather than pedagogical considerations. Other methods emerge by emphasizing some aspects of the conventional approach.
Classical education - the teaching of mathematics within the classical education syllabus of the Middle Ages, which was typically based on Euclid's Elements taught as a paradigm of deductive reasoning.
Rote learning - the teaching of mathematical results, definitions and concepts by repetition and memorization. A derisory term is drill and kill. Parrot Moths was the title of a paper critical of rote learning. Within the conventional approach, is used to teach multiplication tables.
Exercises - the reinforcement of mathematical skills by completing large numbers of exercises of a similar type, such as adding vulgar fractions or solving quadratic equations.
Problem solving - the cultivation of mathematical ingenuity, creativity and heuristic thinking by setting students open-ended, unusual, and sometimes unsolved problems. The problems can range from simple word problems to problems from international mathematics competitions such as the International Mathematical Olympiad.
New Math - a method of teaching mathematics, which focuses on abstract concepts such as set theory, functions and bases other than ten. Adopted in the US as a response to the challenge of early Soviet technical superiority in space, it began to be challenged in the late 1960s. One of the most influential critiques of the New Math was Morris Kline's 1973 book Why Johnny Can't Add. The New Math was the topic of one of Tom Lehrer's most popular parody songs, with his introductory remarks to the song: "...in the new approach, as you know, the important thing is to understand what you're doing, rather than to get the right answer."
Historical method - teaching the development of mathematics within an historical, social and cultural context. Provides more human interest than the conventional approach.
Standards-based mathematics - a vision for percolate mathematics education in the US and Canada, based on constructivist ideas, and formalized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics which created the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics.
In my opinion, teaching is not a science, it is an art. We know that there are as many good ways of teaching as there are good teachers. We must add from the action of our own mind in order to learn something, including on teaching. We must do the best that we can doing, from all of our experience of teaching, and all of our knowledge about mathematical teaching method.
The student learns by his own action. The most important action of learning is to discover it by ourself. However, we can use many ways to teach well. This will be the most important part in teaching such that what we could discover by ourself will last longer and be better understood. And then, I will always try to be the best that I can do in teaching mathematic.
Written by:
Endra Ari Prabawa
(07301244071)
Student of Mathematic Education, Mathematic and Science Faculty of Yogyakarta State University.
References
http://mathematicallysane.com/home.asp
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