Teach. Tech. Math.
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Mathematics is a challenging topic of discussion, as many people need help understanding why it is necessary. John Kotter discusses the need to win over hearts and minds to create a sense of urgency for change (Kotter, 2011). Engaging stakeholders and forming teams is vital for a math initiative within a school district. To create buy-in, we need to foster a growth mindset among our students; mathematics is challenging, and many students give up when they do not understand. As Kotter says, we need to lower complacency, anxiety, and anger, all feelings that arise when mathematics is involved (Kotter, 2013). Mathematics is believed to be a performance subject, but in reality, math classes should help students ask deep questions, explore rich connections, and make real-world connections (Boaler, 2022).
To best reach our students, we need to structure their learning in a way that fills gaps and brings them to their full potential. Educators can rise to the occasion through personalized learning plans and technology and create change within math education. My why relates to the betterment of our students; mathematics is everywhere, and our students need to be problem solvers to thrive in society. We must focus on our students' growth mindsets and foster educators' involvement in developing individualized learning to accomplish these goals. Student achievement is the number one goal of education, but we must make solid connections to the hearts of our students to have that.
References
Boaler, J. (2022). Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students’ Potential through Creative Mathematics, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching (2nd Edition). Jossey-Bass.
Kotter, J. (2011, March 23). The heart of change. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NKti9MyAAw&ab_channel=Dr.JohnKotter
Kotter, J. (2013, August 15). Leading change: Establish a sense of urgency. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yfrj2Y9IlI&ab_channel=Dr.JohnKotter
Sinek, S. (2009, September). How great leaders inspire action. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?language=en#t-4815
Reflection
The term “Mathematics” evokes emotions in every individual. In the era of digital technology, students constantly carry a calculator in their pockets. This emphasizes the need for educators to guide them in understanding the purpose behind the math we instruct. Simon Sinek created a diagram he calls the golden circle and explains that the essential element of an inspired leader is to “think, act and communicate from the inside out” (Sinek, 2009). My purpose for teaching and my student’s learning must start with why. My passion for mathematics runs deep. I believe that my students can and will learn problem-solving, decision-making, and reasoning skills that will help them develop their thinking as they grow into productive members of society. By breaking mathematics into an individualized approach, we can reach more students and bring them to their full potential.