Loralin Allred

Professor Diaz

Math 2010

December 7, 2017

Final Look Back

This math course has been very beneficial in helping me gain more confidence in my

problem solving abilities. The various strategies that were covered in the text book under

Polyas second principal which was devising a plan, I feel could really benefit my future students

just as they have benefited me. Some of these include, looking for patterns, drawing a picture,

guessing and checking, using algebra, working backward, being ingenious and most importantly,

not giving up and learning from my mistakes (Long, DeTemple, & Millman, 2015). Taking the

time to look back and examine my strategies, thought process as well as the areas that I

struggled with was also very beneficial. These strategies I feel have helped me throughout this

course and will help me be more prepared for my future classroom. I would share the skills and

the techniques that I have learned as well as implement the use of guided questioning to help

my students develop the skills and strategies they need to become confident in their own

problem solving abilities.

One of the topics that was covered in this course that was a challenge to me was the

concept of sets and and how the unions and intersections of sets can be demonstrated by

drawing either a two or three circle Venn diagram. In order to really be able to understand how

to shade the correct parts of the diagram, I had to make sure that I understood exactly what

the proper symbols of union and intersection meant. I did this by rereading the appropriate
chapters in the text book, watching math videos, asking questions, discussing concepts with my

classmates as well as doing extra practice problems in the mathlab homework.

In considering my future students and how I can help them with this topic, I realize that

first and foremost they must able to understand the mathematical language that is being used.

I can do this by making sure my explanations make sense when I am teaching about unions and

intersections. I could incorporate formative assessments, questioning and feedback as I teach

to make sure they are grasping the concepts. Another way I can help them understand is to

provide multiple examples of how to correctly fill in a Venn diagram that corresponds to the

various unions and intersections. I would also provide ample opportunities for students to

practice shading. Working in groups is another way in which I could help students learning as it

will allow for discussions as they figure out the correct areas to shade. I would also provide time

to work independently so they can develop their own unique thought process. I could also

incorporate objects and manipulatives in to my lessons to help students see how objects can

either be in the union the intersection or both. As I plan on teaching elementary students, I

realize that it is important for them to be able to comprehend these concepts as they will

become the building blocks that will help them to be able to understand the more complex

concepts as they progress in math.

As with learning any concept in mathematics, it takes patience and practice. Yes, there

are times when certain concepts may be more difficult and frustrating for students, but I hope I

can help my students to see that they can achieve if they work hard. I believe they can develop

the skills and confidence they need to not only succeed in math, but also learn to enjoy it as

well.
 References

Long, T. DeTemple, D. Millman, R. Mathematical Reasoning for Elementary Teachers 7th ed.

Boston: Pearson Education, 2015. Print