Reflection on Chapter 1 & 2

Chapter 1: Teaching Mathematics in the 21st Century

The author mentioned a number of standards and principles in this chapter. These standards and principles provide a guide and direction for teachers who are teaching the subject. I thought that it is important for teachers to take note of the principles whenever they are planning lessons for their students. It also helps to ensure that their teaching is effective and that the children are able to understand the lessons taught. For example, the content standard tells the teacher what are the topics that should be covered. Teachers can plan for lessons accordingly from simple to complex. 

Chapter 2: Exploring what it means to know and do Mathematics

In this chapter, the author talks more about the implications of teaching Mathematics. It is important that teachers set up the right kind of environment in order for the students to learn Math effectively. One point that was raised in the book which I find is lacking in some preschool teachers is ‘productive struggle’. Productive struggle means putting in more effort and persistent in trying to solve a problem. For example, when a teacher sees a child struggling to solve a problem, the teacher would just give him the answer instead of trying to guide the child in helping him find the answer. Honestly speaking, even I am guilty of just “spoon feeding” the child. What is good about reading such textbooks is that it helps me to reflect on my current teaching practices and work on those that are not beneficial for the children.

References:

Van De Walle J. A., Karp K. S., & Bay-Williams J. M. (2014). Elementary and middle school mathematics teaching developmentally (8th ed.). United States of America: Pearson Education Limited

- latifahnajib