Alumni Lounge
- " Why do I need to study math? " This is always a question I hate to hear, mainly because I myself am never sure how to answer it. Very little of mathematics is used by most people in their work or other activities. Lawers, doctors, writers, artists, salespeople and others don't solve quadratic equations, don't use functions and logarithms, don't differentiate or integrate in the real life.
So what is the purpose of mathematical education for those many who will not become professional mathematicians? Teachers explain need of math education for students differently.
My colleague has recently passed me a list of questions about using math in real life. I found them very interesting. Then I wrote a letter to parents of my students asking them to share "math" experience in their lives. Some of them came up with intersting thoughts.
There are some other questions that I would like to discuss with our students and their families.
- Today technology is everywhere , and it is so helpful to have kids who can introduce us, people of older generations, to many new achievements in the technology field. I strongly believe that it is very important for the parents to be able to speak to their children in the same "technology" language.
From time to time I give to my students different assignments or math projects that assume participation of the entire family. I usually collect parents' and students' responses. It is a great resource for me, as a teacher, in determining what is going on in our Math Community.
You may find it interesting to read about the one of our projects named " A Teaching Project".
Look also at the Jay Tobia's "Math is Fun" Web Site. Please make your comments on the Bulletin Board. Feel free to make suggestions for its improvement.
If you would like 