Teaching style
I am of the idea when teaching mathematics to adult learners that they need to see the math in action. Doing examples, followed by them working out problems is the way to go. I get to check work during class to see if they are on the right track before they leave. In addition to doing work during class, I recommend a homework set. What they do is up to them. The ones who do more fare much better than those that don't, but making the requirement to do more doesn't change the outcome.
Regards,
Scott
Scott,
Although I'm not a math teacher, I've often perceived that the challenge that math teachers face transfering math to the "real world," especially among learners that are not real motivated or confident in their math skills. I found your comment, "... see the math in action" very interesting and would be be curious to see some other ideas you have regarding "math in action." Maybe I'm interpreting your comment differntly then you intended, but I think it's an interesting point. I teach criminal justice courses and it's simple, in my opinion and experience, to make that real world connection.
M. Knetzger, Green Bay, WI
Hi Amit,
I like this approach as well because this way the students can see the problem being solved in a step by step unfolding process. It doesn't seem so mechanical this way.
Gary
I prefer to work the math problem on the whiteboard as opposed to showing the PowerPoint slides. This allows the students to actually see each step. I believe by following this approach I am able to assist students retain the concepts.
I'm a huge fan of demonstration, too. Theory only carries so far, and examples prove to the students that the topics they are covering are relevant to real world tasks. In the online environment, I spend half of my time using "screen share" to work through programming examples.
