Mathematics is different from some other disciplines such as art and music in that it builds upon itself. It has traditionally been based on a series of axioms and theorems derived from these axioms, from which more theorems can be derived. Therefore, when an essay asks us to eliminate a concept fundamental to mathematics, it is difficult to make a choice since each concept has its merits and is necessary for understanding concepts that build upon it. This essay, although not feasible to implement in the real world, accomplishes the goals of a Writing in Mathematics seminar, which are to encourage students to think creatively about mathematics, increase the students’ skills in writing effective arguments, and show the students that there …show more content…
The ultimate goal of this seminar is to enhance our writing capabilities, with mathematics as the topic of discussion. This assignment challenges us to think about the arguments of the opposing viewpoints, because both sides are necessary for mathematics to function properly. We have to anticipate the arguments of the other side and build a strong case against those points—thereby encouraging us to write more persuasively than a typical assignment in this class would. In my essay, I chose to eliminate the triangle. I had to take into consideration that other people could argue triangles are important in engineering, and I built an argument on how triangles are not necessary with some creative uses of circles. This exercise in counterargument allowed me to practice different persuasive techniques. The higher level thinking required by us is twofold—creative workarounds to mathematical concepts and advanced methods of persuasion. While this assignment does challenge our writing abilities, it could do more. We are offered a choice of three topics to write about, so we are free to pick a topic that is the most comfortable for us. A good writer can create an argument for either side of any topic. If the assignment did not give us any choices, we would be challenged to write about something that we are not necessarily comfortable writing about. Students who write in their comfort zone will not try to improve their writing
First, the essay is well constructed because Mae explains the issue and opposing positions clearly and in an engaging way. Mae includes quotes from articles and explains them thoroughly to show their relevance to the
Using you knowledge AND the documents provided, write a well-reasoned essay on the following prompt:
The most important conclusion from this editorial is knowing that mathematics is changing/will change over time. With that being said, reading this article and becoming familiar with the thirteen rules that expire, gives a teacher the opportunity to break out of the “norm” by teaching children by using tips, tricks, and strategies. This article allows teachers to understand that the concepts being taught need to be sustainable for years so they will not fall under this category of “expiration”. The commentary, “13 Rules That Expire” has many strengthens in the points
How does your essay challenge something about the way most people think about this topic?
What do you believe each writer’s stronger topic to be? The topic the writers choose is very interesting and it is a current issue in our criminal justice system. The writer have chooses a very interesting topic would be able to find valuable sources and evidences that show how effective a restorative justice program would be for juveniles. Also, the writer would be able to find arguments that are against or for restorative justice program for first-time juveniles’ offenders.
Upon observing your class, we have learned a lot about the methods you utilize in order to help the students with mathematics and about how the students learn. Observing your class was both an honor and a learning opportunity for us, as you are an important, and well-respected faculty member in the school system. However, while we appreciate your goals and tactics to make learning mathematics easier for the students, we have discovered some flaws in the use of mnemonics, rules, and tricks for helping students understand the subject material.
Geometry and Algebra are so crucial to the development of the world it is taught to every public high school in the United States, around 14.8 million teenagers each year (National Center for Education Statistics). Mathematics is the engine powering our world; our stocks, economy, technology, and science are all based off from math. Math is our universal and definite language “I was especially delighted with the mathematics, on account of the certitude and evidence of their reasonings.” (Rene Descartes, 1637).
Now, suppose I were to assign the following essay topic (DO NOT WRITE AN ESSAY):
When teaching mathematical concepts it is important to look at the big ideas that will follow in order to prevent misconceptions and slower transformation
To most people English or Language Arts is a creative course and math is just a logical, you get it or you don’t class. My purpose writing this paper is to change your mind. I believe that Math is just as, or more creative than English. I will demonstrate this through a couple of examples.
In today’s society mathematics is a vital part of day-to-day life. No matter what a person is doing at home or at the workplace, he/she is constantly using different mathematics skills to simply function. Then what does this mean for mathematics education? When someone needs to utilize a skill every day then he/she needs a strong background in the skill. Therefore, today’s students need more than a just a working knowledge of mathematics or enough knowledge to pass a test. Today’s students need to understand how mathematics works and how to utilize mathematics skills in the best way possible.
Maths is ubiquitous in our lives, but depending on the learning received as a child it could inspire or frighten. If a child has a negative experience in mathematics, that experience has the ability to affect his/her attitude toward mathematics as an adult. Solso (2009) explains that math has the ability to confuse, frighten, and frustrate learners of all ages; Math also has the ability to inspire, encourage and achieve. Almost all daily activities include some form of mathematical procedure, whether people are aware of it or not. Possessing a solid learning foundation for math is vital to ensure a lifelong understanding of math. This essay will discuss why it is crucial to develop in children the ability to tackle problems with initiative and confidence (Anghileri, 2006, p. 2) and why mathematics has changed from careful rehearsal of standard procedures to a focus on mathematical thinking and communication to prepare them for the world of tomorrow (Anghileri).
A philosophy of mathematics should be included in an excellent philosophy of education. A philosophy of mathematics should include your thoughts and ideas about what mathematics education is, what impact it has on society, the qualities that make a good teacher, a teacher’s role, research on the standards and instructional strategies, and ways to ensure student are able to learn mathematic concepts in your classroom. Each of these ideas should forever be evolving because we grow as teachers our thought and ideas will grow. I will be discussing my thoughts and ideas on what creates an excellent philosophy of mathematics.
Mathematics, like every creation of man, have evolved without really knowing how far you can get with them: the scope of the computer, physics, chemistry, algebra, all are evidence of this. Every aspect of our culture is based in some way or another in Mathematics: language, music, dance, art, sculpture, architecture, biology, daily life. All these areas of measurements and calculations are accurate. Even in nature, everything follows a precise pattern and a precise order: a flower, a shell, a butterfly, day and night, the seasons. All this makes mathematics essential for human life and they can not be limited only to a matter within the school curriculum; here lies the importance of teaching math in a pleasure, enjoyable and understandable way. Mathematics is an aid to the development of the child and should be seen as an aid to life and not as an obstacle in their lifes.
Mathematics is the one of the most important subjects in our daily life and in most human activities the knowledge of mathematics is important. In the rapidly changing world and in the era of technology, mathematics plays an essential role. To understand the mechanized world and match with the newly developing information technology knowledge in mathematics is vital. Mathematics is the mother of all sciences. Without the knowledge of mathematics, nothing is possible in the world. The world cannot progress without mathematics. Mathematics fulfills most of the human needs related to diverse aspects of everyday life. Mathematics has been accepted as significant element of formal education from ancient period to the present day. Mathematics has a very important role in the classroom not only because of the relevance of the syllabus material, but because of the reasoning processes the student can develop.