The classroom focusing on math
For this field experience, observe the classroom focusing on math, if possible. If not, observe another STEM area (science, engineering, or technology). Additionally, interview your mentor teacher and include the following questions:
• What is your teaching philosophy for math instruction?
• How do you provide a focus on hands-on practice and thinking mathematically?
• In what way would you embed mathematics learning opportunities in the learning environment, as well as beyond the classroom?
• What tools and resources (including technology) do you use to allow exploration and enhance conceptual understanding?
• How do you incorporate communication as part of thinking mathematically?
• How do you ensure an equal learning opportunity for all students, including those with exceptionalities? In 250-500 words, summarize and reflect on the interview, including your discussion of strategies and specific examples of hands-on STEM lessons. Discuss how the lesson promoted problem-solving and critical thinking skills for students. Explain how the mentor teacher prompted the importance of communication as part of thinking mathematically. Discuss how the strategies used promote discussion, motivation, and engagement. Explain how you will use your findings in your future professional practice.
Sample Solution
For this field experience, I had the opportunity to observe a math classroom and interview my mentor teacher in order to gain insight into their teaching philosophy. My mentor teacher has been an educator for many years, and they described their teaching philosophy as one rooted in “hands-on practice, exploration, communication and critical thinking”. They strive to provide students with learning opportunities that allow them to think mathematically by utilizing tools such as manipulatives, technology, math games and other resources.
When it comes to providing hands-on practice for students within the classroom environment, my mentor teacher stated that they focus on helping students develop problem solving skills through activities that allow them to explore mathematical concepts from different angles. For example, during one lesson I observed all of the students working together on a problem involving area where they had to measure out spaces using cubes in order to solve it. This allowed them make connections between the abstract concept of area with its real world application thus enhancing their conceptual understanding of the topic.
Moreover, my mentor teacher also incorporates communication as part of thinking mathematically by having groups discuss solutions or ask questions when they are stuck. In addition, they often use technology such as tablets or laptops so that deeper investigations can be done at home or school if need be (e.g., access websites with additional explanations). Overall then, it is clear that my mentor teacher has developed a comprehensive teaching approach which focuses heavily on hands-on practice but also provides multiple avenues for exploration and encourages critical thinking throughout each lesson.
In light of this then, I believe that this type of approach could be beneficial not only within mathematics instruction but also beyond the classroom too since it promotes collaboration amongst peers which is vital for creating an environment conducive towards deep learning experiences. Moving forward then more research needs to be conducted around how best these methods can be applied within STEM fields so teachers have access evidence based strategies which will help ensure student success across all disciplines.
