Tuesday, July 2, 2013
My Educational Journey
I do not ever remember a time when I liked Math. I used to like Science until it included lots of Math in the later years of high school and college so since then I haven't really cared for Science either. Simple mathematics is OK with me. I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide as well as the next person and I'm ok with throwing in letters and other variables but when you add in a fraction and or decimal my mind freezes and I go blank. I don't know why I am like that but something in my past must have been traumatic in those departments so I stay as far away as possible. If I have to use a fraction I'm out of luck. As I journey through EESL 650 - Teaching Math/Science to ELL's, I realize that I need to get over my fears of math and science so that I can truly help my kids in their journeys. I am excited to learn more about strategies to use in my classroom when working with ELL students and I am excited about sharing those ideas with all of you!
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Laura, I feel you on the fractions...those still are a big fear of mine. I believe math is taught so differently now then it was when we were growing up, if we can get ALL our students to enjoy learning and not have anxieties, I think we are doing good. There are so many wonderful strategies, and ideas out there, and that we have learned in this course, I think we are on our way!! Great job with the blog!! :)
ReplyDeleteChristina, I just realized I did not invite our teacher so I am in the process of doing that now. I have been working on this blog since we got off the phone, trying to find out all the in's and out's of it. I still don't think I know what I'm doing but thanks for commenting at least now I know someone can see it, LOL!! Any yes, my goal is to get my kids to ENJOY math and science. It's easier in first grade than it is when they get older!
ReplyDeleteI hear you sister! I never found myself to be a very good Math or Science person but AMSTI and constructivist Math workshope have helped me tremendiously. Now that I teach in the secondary schools I need all the Math strategies I can get!!! Have a great 4th!
ReplyDeleteI was the same way in school. In fact, I had a teacher in elementary school tell me that I was just not good at math and would probably always do better in English. Her words really stuck with me and I think it convinced me that I would never be able to be successful in it. Even in college, I would always tell people "I just can't do math." When I think of how her words impacted me, I want to make sure that I do a great job as a teacher in making all my students feel comfortable and successful with everything they try to accomplish, even if it is difficult.
ReplyDeleteI, too, had a similar experience to Amanda (mine was in ninth grade Algebra)but I loved the outdoors and biology. I always shied away from upper level math and suffered the consequences in Chemistry, Physics and statistics. It is a fear that I still struggle with but aim to correct b/c math is so intertwined in the sciences that we, as teachers cannot let that fear contaminate our students. They have to be literate in math concepts and, like it or not, so do we. So...shoulder on, find some web-sites, do some PD and practice!
ReplyDeleteBTW - are you related to Amy Tew? I taught with her at ASFA and she is now at Hoover... just wondering.
DeleteProbably not Kurt. Tew is my married name and there are so many of them I can't keep them straight. All the one's I have met live down around this area though (Eufaula, Dothan, Enterprise). From my understanding there are many different sets of Tew's even here.
DeleteAs teachers, we usually know our personal stories and how a teacher either inspired us (Thank you Mr. Powell) or haunted us a made an academic fear so much greater. As I progress in my career, I hope to be an inspiration to my students, as you are to yours Laura. Our first grade teachers are always remembered and loved. You show them your love of learning and how to face their fears and conquer them as they grow older.
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