Exit Slip: Student Inquiry & Problems with Praise and Grades

    Both Jo Boaler and Alfie Kohn raised issues pertaining to education and the impact that traditional teaching has on students.  One quote that stood out to me was that "Math is popular... just not in education".  Math, in a way, is quite similar to those stereotypical, cool-kid, main characters in movies.  Math can be intriguing and admired by many people, but it may only be seen and understood on a superficial level.  If we want to take this metaphor further, math can be that popular but mean jock that terrorizes students, causing anxiety and stress.  However, usually when we're able to get to know this character a bit more, we begin to learn that he/she/or they have more dimensions to them, just like how mathematics is more than memorizing formulas and pencil-to-paper activities.  So, I wonder...how can we get to know mathematics better?  When we see how mathematics is used by other disciplines, like Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, etc., mathematics is elevating these subjects.  One would think a mathematics class is self-elevating, but the traditional ways that mathematics has been "taught" has diminished math's character.  The rumors about math being dull and uninviting have been deeply embedded in the school environment that math began to take on that persona.  

    It is quite scary to be defending something that has a lot of negative connotations.  Like what Rebecca said, it is scary that, as prospective teachers, we have a responsibility to undo the problematic methods of teaching that we once experienced and felt the repercussions of as students.  Having learned the traditional ways of teaching math as a student and then now learning our job as teachers is to unlearn a lot of these techniques is an overwhelming task.  However, I like to think of it as giving our students opportunities we weren't given when we were in their position, and hopefully, students do have a chance to get to know mathematics a bit better.  Even if I can build this bridge between students and mathematics, I should be aware that not all students will want to venture on to the other side; in other words, they might not want to pursue mathematics in the future despite my best efforts.  However, if my students can take something positive away from my class, whether that be a new passion for math or a lack of fear when approaching math, I'd feel like I've done math and math students justice!