My friend Matt was in town from Texas this weekend. I only see him about once a year so it was good to catch up with him. We had some good, challenging conversation. I don't think I get enough of that. Some people prefer going out, watching movies and TV. I'd rather read a good book or participate in stimulating conversation with friends. Okay, yes, I do enjoy just hanging out sometimes but I think God gave us a brain to be used and engaged.
Yesterday, my parents helped me work around my house. It's nice to see the leaves raked and the lawn mowed for the last time this year. My dad put an vent fan in my bathroom. Now, I don't have to wait to shave in the morning.
I have to write an essay about the role of democracy in math education for my college math class. The authors put forth the idea that math education is a great avenue for teaching students to speak up about their opinions, practice respectful dialogue and reconcile disagreement in the course of finding solutions for problems. I find it an interesting topic, but shouldn't all these things be learned at home? I believe a teacher should present various methods towards reaching a solution; however, too much dialogue might be an inefficient use of time. I've seen some of the lists of Indiana math standards for different grades. In order to meet all the standards, the teacher may need to limit the use of manipulatives, methods and dialogue at times. I may be resisting change because it is a new concept to me but, unless the teacher is allowed a lot of freedom in instruction, the democratic idea may only be helpful on an occasional basis. Despite what you read here, I am going to try to write the essay with an open mind to the advantages and disadvantages of their view and mine as well.
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I vote for a Facebook account. I've enjoyed mine even if it is ONE MORE THING to waste time with on the internets.
I also think that teachers have a strong responsibility to engage in discussion with their students about all sorts of topics. Not everyone was as fortunate to grow up in families that had spirited discussions over the dinner table every day. Also, schools are the place where students are exposed to new ideas outside of the ideas embraced by their family of origin. There are more important things to learn in math than just the facts.
This is my opinion, which I learned to express at the dinner table and I may be wrong but I know how to be passionately wrong :)
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