"Perhaps one of the most important ways that families can reinforce mathematics achievement is simply by having a positive attitude that children can master challenging math. Too often, we undermine our children's interest in math by using statements such as "math is hard" or "I didn't like math either." ( Richard W. Riley, former Secretary of Education)
I think that this applies to teachers, as well, especially early elementary teacher
2 comments:
Linda,
You are absolutely correct about that. But here is the question... How does a teacher come to that attitude him/her-self? It is one thing to say "we should", but quite another to do. It is more than simply monitoring your words; those statements come from deep inside. Why does it happen? What can be done to make it better?
Maggie, I have given a lot of thought to your questions during my few quiet times at the start of this school year. My latest thinking is this:
"How does a teacher come to that attitude his/herself?....Why does it happen?" Strictly speaking about math, in order to get that positive 'tude, I think you need to have a combination of a solid math understanding at the level you are teaching, and you need to master the teaching of it.
"What can be done to make it better?" I would say that you need to keep honing both. You need to keep stretching yourself as a mathematician AND as a good teacher. When you feel confident about what you are doing and you begin to see results, you want to become even better. The positive vibes become contagious.
Now, I'd be interested in how you would answer your questions.
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