How does a math teacher use math?

Question

I'm doing a project about math in careers. I chose to use a math teacher, and get the easy way out, but we needed to get sources to use for the project, one of them might being internet. I looked on google and on yahoo answers but because it is so obvious, it isn't anywhere. if someone answered on yahoo answers to my question, it would count as an internet source. Please answer. If you have a website I could go to it would be a lot better. Please Help!!!

Answer 1

Here is the way I think of it.

As a math teacher I cannot simply use one algorithm to solve problems. I need to know all the possibilities and different styles of solving problems so I can help my students decide what works for them.

Popular belief is that there is really only one correct way to solve any given problem, this is so not true. There are various ways to approach every math problem and teachers need to know them because every kid is different - and while one style might work for one kid, others may need alternate approaches.

here is a concrete example from the web:

http://www.sonoma.edu/users/w/wilsonst/Courses/Math_300/Groupwork/altsub/default.html

As you can see, simple subtraction can be done in multiple ways. Most teachers approach it with only one - We need to know how and why each work so that we can use the ideas to help our students master this basic skill set. When you add all the manipulative tools we have at our disposal, it becomes quite an extensive knowledge set that most of the public do not see.

good luck to you!

Answer 2

Well, a lot of people struggle with math, and then when they get bad on the tests or assignments, they don't want to be seen as stupid, so they just say that they're teacher's terrible. There are also students who are not so good at the subject, and have absolutely no drive to achieve any more than they are, so when the teacher gives them extra homework, or keep them after class to help them etc, they find it annoying, and thus say the teacher's mean and unreasonable for keeping them after class etc. As for the people wishing you bad luck on contests etc, they just most likely don't understand math the way you do. You may see it as enjoyable, but they see it as difficult, and because they don't have a talent for math, and it takes them a long time to grasp a concept, they hate you for being able to understand something quickly. Well maybe not hate, but they're jealous/angry about it. Also, since they have absolutely no interest in math and think of it as boring, they think that you must be "nerdy" if you actually like the subject. Lucky for me, at my school grades and things don't count that much, and to most people, over-achieving is something to applaud instead of something to be frowned upon.....

Answer 3

I completely agree with the above answer. You really do have to know ALL the possible ways to get the answer!!!!

Answer 4

Well, how the hell could they teach it if they don't get it? And if they need to grade tests and lose the answer key, they'd be up that infamous foul-smelling creek if they don't actually know how to do it.