Understanding and Questioning in Mathematics
School is something that students are required to be a part of for twelve years. During that time, teachers develop lesson plans that assist their class with the understanding of subjects such as: math, language arts, science, and social studies. When it comes to understanding the content that is discussed in the classroom, it is not all nonsense like it is stereotyped to be. Each school district has certain rules to follow, just like each state as certain standards to fulfill.
The criteria that is taught during a child's years of education, especially at the younger ages, is extremely beneficial. Ultimately, the content builds upon one another and is used continuously throughout the child's schooling, therefore, making sure that what is taught is understood. As teachers, we can not expect our students to understand a new concept on the first day.
It may take days, weeks, or even months of review for a child to master a new skill completely, for every child learns at their own pace. It is so important for children to ask questions during the learning stage, however, that can be easier said than done. Not all kids have social skills worth expressing right away, some students will be reserved or more shy than others, therefore you may never truly understand whether or not they truly understand the content that is being taught. As someone that was once the shy girl in class, I have come to realize that creating a welcoming environment plays a huge part in the way that students respond in the classroom.
Getting to know your students is crucial because once you make them feel comfortable, they begin to open up and grow to become more comfortable with you as well. Once you begin to learn more about the students as an individual, you can begin to bring in ideas that relate to them in order to make the concepts that are being taught a better learning experience for them. After all, if you make learning fun, it does not appear to them as something that they 'have' to do, rather it becomes something that they enjoy doing!
Thanks Kirsten...however, you did not answer the prompts about questioning...
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