Math Reflection

After reading the mathematics framework the knowledge I need to

teach math is to know and understand that CCSSM have two types of
standards; the standards for Math Practice are the same in all grades and the
standards for Math content are different in each grade level. I will definitely
have to know the five guiding principles and be able to apply them in the
classroom. In addition, I will also need to note that a big part of teaching
math has to do with assessment. In order to teach math well in an
elementary classroom, I will need to have clear knowledge of mathematic
concepts that will not only prepare my students for their future but will
ensure that they get the best instruction needed to be fully prepared to
succeed in higher education.
I do not believe that the math classes I have taken have fully prepared
me to teach. Taking Math 28 at LBCC taught me the basics and the Math 207
that I took at CSUDH was not helpful either because we did worksheets but
the class was mostly online/computer based work. I would have liked to learn
more instructional tips that would be beneficial/helpful when I teach after
completing the credential program. Because I do not feel well prepared I will
have to take more math classes in order to gain confidence and be able to
teach math well to my future students. I understand math fairly well and I
am a fast learner but I believe that understand math and teaching/explaining
math to students is completely different. I have to be able to break it down in
terms that are easy for students to understand and because not all students

learn the same way, it is highly important for me to know multiples ways to
engage children when they are learning math. Furthermore, I will need to pay
close attention in fieldwork/observations for tips on teaching math.
The areas of math that I feel well prepared in are basic addition and
subtraction. As well as, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing whole
number fractions. I also feel well prepared with place value/base ten. I would
be able to explain measurements and data but also be able to explain to
children the different types of charts to use for noting certain data. I am
confident that I would be able to teach multiplication and division to children
because I still apply that in my daily life. On the contrary, I feel less
prepared with geometry especially when it comes to measuring angles. I
know the geometric shapes but I think it would be challenging to teach
children. I would definitely need to review geometry in order to be able to
teach it well. I believe that observing math lessons in an elementary school
classroom would be highly beneficial. Lastly, I would also need to prepare
myself to teach children decimals. I believe that with some review of
mathematic concepts I would feel better prepared to teach.
Unfortunately, I do not have many artifacts from the mathematic
classes I took. I have very few worksheets and plenty of notes. Most of the
work that I did in these math classes where done on WileyPlus. I feel that my
math portfolio will not be as strong as other subjects, but I will do my best to
find artifacts that will represent math well in my portfolio. I will include a
math lesson plan I created in LBS 400, that shows my ability to create a

concrete lesson for elementary students. In addition, I will include my Math

reflection from reading the Math Framework. Due to my lack of work samples
for math, I feel that it does not truly reflect on my knowledge or learning in
math because I do still remember what I learned. Having done most of my
work online is detrimental because I do not have an artifact to show. I do
believe it would have been beneficial for me to have more work samples that
could show what I learned. I will need to reflect back to the class and
recreate some of the lessons the professor taught. The work samples (notes
from class) connect to my learning because it shows that I not only know
basic steps/procedures to solve a problem but I have general understanding
of the math concept that can help ensure that I am giving correct instruction
to my students. Math is very important to for the success of students as they
advance in their education. Therefore, I will do my best to ensure that I am
teaching children correctly and that I have great knowledge of the subject. I
will not make excuses for myself when it comes to teaching simply because
the classes I took were not helpful, I need to do what is best for my students
and if taking more courses in math helps then I will do whatever I find
necessary to give students the best education. All students deserve the best
education and it begins with the teachers attitude.