becoming successful teacher mathematics
I need to know what I should do?
Currently, I am a sophomore in high school in Montana. I feel that the education system has a few holes in it; advanced mathematics classes are offered at my school, but not advanced english courses. Half of the teachers don’t seem to give a d a m n if the students fail or succeed. Most of the people living in my area are poor. Many of my classmates drink alcohol as a pastime and don’t appear to have any potential. I, however, want to escape from my dead-end surroundings and become successful in the world, but before I can do this I need to know what I can do on my own time to prepare for college level study. Do you have any suggestions?
First: Read, read, read. Since you don’t have access to AP courses, gaining a background in classic texts in history, literature, and science will be up to you. And you are obviously sufficiently aware and motivated enough to do it, and do it well.
One way to go about finding the books you should be reading is by consulting some “great books” websites. I’ve provided two websites below. The first provides lists of Western, Eastern, and Modern classic texts. The second provides electronically accessible editions of many important works. But also, remember to read texts that you simply enjoy and find interesting. Let your tastes guide you!
While you are reading, keep in mind that every author has an agenda or perspective. To develop your critical thinking skills, keep asking yourself these questions as you read non-fiction:
- what is the author’s thesis?
- what is the author’s argument?
- what are the author’s assumptions?
- what are the consequences or implications of the author’s argument?
Here are some questions for fiction:
- what are the important themes of this story?
- what is the author trying to convey in this text?
- how does the author use language in order to convey these things?
- what other texts is the author drawing upon (either thematically, or stylistically??
Second: Write. Keep a journal. Write about the books you’ve read. Try creative writing, perhaps by imitating the styles of some of your favorite authors. Just write consistently and thoughtfully.
Third:
Your question shows me that you are a young person with great potential, and I have every confidence that you will indeed succeed in your endeavors. Remain aware of your potential, and cultivate it in every way you can. People are physical, mental, emotional and spiritual beings. Cultivate every part of you.
I promise you that if you keep reading, writing, and thinking critically, you will not only gain acceptance to highly-regarded academic institutions, but you will excel in your studies wherever you choose to go.
(And do remember that prestigious universities with large endowments seek diversity; this includes geographic diversity. So when it is time to apply to college, aim high. And in your application essays, do not be afraid to mention the challenges you have faced and overcome while growing up in your environment.)
Best wishes!
John McCollum – DISD 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year
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Becoming a Successful Teacher of Mathematics $32.76 Becoming a Successful Teacher of Maths is a practical guide for newly qualified teachers of secondary mathematics. It develops the essential core knowledge, skills and understanding demanded by the new DfEE requirements for courses of initial teacher training. It is based on research findings relating to the organisation and management of maths classrooms, teaching approaches, assessment and the c… |