What is Mathematics?

What is mathematics?

I believe that mathematics is a system that we, humans, have developed over a long period of time to measure our lives. It is a system that we use to experiment, calculate and discover our everyday life essentials. We experiement with things such as vehicles, food, trees, animals, people, insects, elements, the human body, etc. This all includes mathematics. We calculate speeds, velocities, acelerations, amounts, how much of one substance we need in a certain type of dish, etc and then we discover what it is we need or could use to make it better.


How do I learn mathematics better?

I believe that the best way for me to learn mathematics is through hands-on experiementation. By that I mean, working on problems and discovering answers and different possible ways to solve a problem. In school I first read briefly through the chapter section, then pay close attention in lecture and take good notes and then jump straight into experimenting with the problems. Ive found that the best way for me is to use the formulas or the concepts repeatedly.
This works for me because it is when I am focused in study when I am better able to understand a concept. So while working on a problem, if I get stumped I refer back to the chapter explanations and examples and apply them repeatedly with different problems.


How will my students learn mathematics best?

I think that my studenst will learn best through math games and experimenting. By math games I mean, racing to see who gets the correct answer first. Its a little bit of competition but Ive learned that my mind is more focused when there is a little competition involved and it sticks better with me.
By experimenting I mean working with in private on a certain problem and then putting them on the spot to work it out in front of the class.


What are some of the current practices in school mathematics classrooms that promote students' learning of mathematics?

I am not sure what is meant by current practices, but from what I understand, I think that practices that promote students' success in the mathematics classroom are having TA's and Lab sesssions. Doing the homework and then going over it in Lab helps to ingrain and clarify the homework in the students' mind. The more times the students' see the material the more the understanding comes.


What are some of the current practices in school mathematics classrooms that are detrimental to students' learning of mathematics?

I think that everything in the school is aimed towards the students' success. From what I have seen the only reason why students' fail to learn is because they do not put in the time. I am aware that sometimes the material is very difficult, but there is plenty of help available.
I honestly believe that what you put in is what you get out. The more you put in the greater you will get out and then some.



















What are some of the current practices in school mathematics classrooms that are detrimental to students' learning of mathematics?