Creating interest in Math
Most students hate math and can't find any useful purpose. Ignoring of course they use it every day and the technology they have would not exist without it.
I use TED discussions to engage students and have asked them to prepare papers on famous mathematicians. These provide good discussion and have increased interest.
Michael,
this is great as it can help further show them the many uses of this subject.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Im all for getting the students to love math. I love math and I want them to enjoy it just as I have.
Most students dislike math because they just feel that it is too difficult. The one point that I always make to my students, is that they may dislike conversions for recipes, but, when their pay check is wrong at work they can spot that right away down to the penny. I make sure they understand that they cannot have a business and think that they are just going hire someone to do their books, this is the quickest way to loose your business.
have shown many students different ways to establish the answers to math problems which makes it easier for them to understand.
Larry,
this is a great way to help those reluctant learners engage more with the material & hopefully enjoy it more.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I've found that a little enthusiasm from the instructor goes a long way.
My classes are very accelerated and are usually about four hours long, which is very long for students to stay focused on math (even adults). I restructured a little to have in-class practice where they work in groups on each topic as we go through the lecture. This lets them try it in class, and helping each other means that they see different ways of thinking about it. It also helps the stronger students get something out of it, because you always understand something better after you have to teach it.
Emily,
you are so right that our enthusiasm will rub off on the students & the more encouraging we can be the better.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
