Posts Tagged mathematics teacher
Mathematics Word Problems – What If You Asked the Question First
Are you a math teacher? Are you a parent of a child or teen who is taking a mathematics course? If yes to either question, then I’m sure you’ve seen students struggle with word problems. It’s so frustrating to watch and we want so badly to help them.
A perennial complaint of mathematics teachers is that students are unable to cope with word problems. This inability to deal with such problems often becomes a major stumbling block to success in mathematics courses (Nolan 1984). National trends in mathematics problem-solving, as measured by the 1986 National Assessment of Educational Progress, indicate that students, even 17-year-olds, have difficulty solving word problems (Dossey et al. 1988).
Why Math is Important
As a private Math tutor I get asked this question a lot. I sit there explaining how to solve a simultaneous equation and I get interrupted by the student who demands to know how this will help them in life.
My answer to this question is always the same and always will be, and if I got a pound for every time that I have been asked this question then I probably wouldn’t have to work anymore! I therefore decided to create this article so that anybody reading this will know the answer and not need to pester their Mathematics teacher.
Algebra has real life applications from engineering to computer games design and from predicting future trends in the financial markets to designing circuit boards. More generally, mathematics is fundamental in everyday life, from working out the VAT on a TV to calculating how much change you will receive when you buy a chocolate bar.
Overview on Degree Programs in Mathematics Education
Are you one of those who are looking to make career as a mathematics teacher? If your answer is yes then there various options to become mathematics tutor. Either you can follow an education degree at the master’s or bachelor’s degree level and have your regular education training in math, or you may even earn a math degree at different levels and then have training with the necessary coursework. Nevertheless, if you are already a mathematics teacher and looking forward to advancing your career then selecting a degree program in mathematics can be the best option. These days many colleges and universities in the United States are offering mathematics education programs that may further help you improve your individual proficiency.
Generally, a degree program in mathematics education primarily focuses on math-specific education training along with the general education necessities that are necessary for every professional licensure. The degree programs can be broadly categorized into two sub-categories, mainly the bachelor’s and master’s degree. The bachelor’s degree in mathematics education focuses on a science prospectus along with math-focused tutor training. In addition to this, the bachelor’s degree program primarily includes learning of mathematics in different areas and provides mathematics major as a specialization. Apart from all this, the master’s degree program basically emphasizes on K-16 schools and methodology or the way students are educated in mathematics. The program can be very beneficial for you if you are a licensed teacher. Moreover, the coursework includes studies in math-centric topics and classroom administration.