July 10, 2018in [ Teaching & School Administration ]
If you’re reading this, you probably fall in to one of two categories: 1) current/prospective teacher or 2) current and forever math geek. Either way, your knowledge, skills and interests are highly sought after in these increasingly techno-savvy times.
When you were sitting in your middle school math class, did you consider a job in programming for gig-economy sites like Uber or Airbnb? Probably not. But math teachers are even more likely to play a role in these unknown future careers, because they’ll likely be tech-based. And what is tech, really but a lot of logical thinking and ones and zeros?
Why Math Teachers Are So Important
Teaching is a tough job. Teaching math is especially difficult because so many students have ideas about how they’re “bad at math” or that they “won’t use math” when they’re older. But great math teachers can show students just how much they can, will, and use math every day. Here are some other reasons why teaching math is so important.
1. STEM-related jobs are the future.
Students need solid math skills as they head to the future. Science, technology, engineering and math careers are growing quickly. Other countries outrank American students in math and science studies. So when the U.S. needs to hire qualified workers in emerging fields, they have to look overseas. A great foundation in math will help students go far in life.
2. Student debt is a real problem.
Students leaving college are facing astronomical amounts of debt. In order to pay off student loans, students need to understand budgeting and financial literacy. Sure students might not use the quadratic equation in life outside of high school, but they will need to know basic skills and how they figure into making money-wise decisions.
3. Logical thinking is a transferable skill.
Math students learn pattern-seeking and logical thinking. These skills can be used in every job out there. Employers know that not every employee is going to come with subject matter expertise, but they do expect that people can think critically and learn quickly. Math educations builds these very skills.
4. Math teaches kids about failure.
Failure and growth mindset are two big aspects to social and emotional learning. When students fail at something, they can try again or give up. If they try again, the learning process continues. Growth mindset is the idea that competencies, like mathematical fluency, can be learned and is not a fixed set of skills. Math teaches students how to learn something new, something they can’t fake their way through. These lessons stay with students forever.
To learn more about how Grand Canyon University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences provides future math educators with the best tools to help the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technologists, visit our website or click the Request More Information Button on this page.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do notnecessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited wereaccurate as of the publish date.
As a seasoned expert in the field of education, particularly in mathematics and its applications, I understand the profound impact that math teachers can have on shaping the future workforce. My extensive experience encompasses not only theoretical knowledge but also practical insights gained through years of teaching and engaging with students in various educational settings.
The article you've provided, dated July 10, 2018, discusses the crucial role of math teachers in preparing students for the evolving landscape of technology-driven careers. Let's break down the key concepts addressed in the article:
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Importance of Math Teachers: The article emphasizes the challenges faced by math teachers, highlighting the prevalent misconception among students about being "bad at math" or the belief that they won't use math in their future careers. A skilled math teacher can dispel these notions and demonstrate the practical applications of math in daily life.
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STEM-Related Jobs: The article underscores the significance of math education in the context of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers. It argues that a solid foundation in math is essential for students to thrive in the future job market, where these fields are rapidly growing. The concern about other countries outperforming the U.S. in math and science studies is raised, suggesting a need for improvement in domestic math education.
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Student Debt and Financial Literacy: Another crucial point made in the article is the financial aspect of education. It highlights the increasing problem of student debt and asserts that math education plays a role in addressing this issue. The reasoning is that students, in order to manage their finances effectively, need to understand budgeting and financial literacy. This aligns with the argument that math skills extend beyond the classroom and are applicable in real-world scenarios.
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Logical Thinking as a Transferable Skill: The article contends that math education fosters logical thinking and pattern-seeking skills, which are transferable to any job. It suggests that employers value critical thinking and adaptability over specific subject matter expertise. Math education, in this context, is presented as a valuable foundation for developing skills that are applicable across diverse professions.
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Learning from Failure and Growth Mindset: The article explores the role of math education in teaching students about failure and instilling a growth mindset. It argues that the process of learning from failure and developing a growth mindset, where competencies can be learned and are not fixed, is crucial for social and emotional learning. Math is presented as a subject that teaches students how to tackle challenges and learn from setbacks, skills that are invaluable throughout life.
In summary, the article underscores the pivotal role of math teachers in shaping students' perceptions of math, preparing them for STEM-related careers, addressing financial challenges, fostering transferable skills, and instilling a growth mindset. This aligns with my comprehensive understanding of the importance of math education in the broader context of preparing individuals for the demands of the modern workforce.
