Thinking Freely Volume 2 Issue 5
Rational or Irrational Numbers
"Aspiring Teachers Flunk Math Test." This was a recent newspaper headline. "Almost three quarters of aspiring elementary school teachers in Massachusetts have failed a new math section of the state's licensing exam." Article: Aspiring Teachers Flunk Math Test.
Is this exclusively a Massachusetts problem or might we see similar results around the nation if every state administered a separate math test to teacher candidates? Does this occur even when the candidates have completed the math requirements of their Schools of Education? Do the required math courses address the rampant math anxiety found in our population?
Are we being Rational or Irrational about numbers?
Elementary school teachers are among the people most likely to influence children's attitudes toward mathematics. Consequently, it is essential that teacher trainers recognize their responsibility in assuring that teachers, themselves, have positive attitudes toward mathematics. Is it Rational to risk having our educators pass on their math anxiety to our children? Article: Female Teachers Can Transfer Fear of Math. Unfortunately too many traditional teacher education programs do not emphasize the development of teachers' mathematical confidence or competence.
A Rational approach to teacher training would include introducing innovative math courses which:
- develop a true depth of understanding of basic mathematical principles
- develop critical thinking skills
- build teachers' confidence
- model strategies that teachers can employ to achieve the same in their students
