Mathematics in the 21st century
MATHEMATICS also evolved with time. We would still hear the basic fields and they will not change for sure; Calculus, Algebra, Trigonometry and many others are here to stay. But what 21st century learning has influenced Mathematics to evolve are creativity and innovation that have become of students, the close communication that brought about collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving.
Many have conceived that mathematics, like any other subjects, has evolved because of computers, programs, applications and online tools. But in reality it is the learning experience that students have undergone that made mathematics what it is in the 21st century. Learning seems to be a simple but one of the difficult words to define. Mathematics of the 21st century has made students learn not only how to formulate, equate and solve a problem but more importantly than these, students were able to take ownership of their choice of a Mathematics subject to specialize on; and, ownership of application, discovery, struggle, success and feedback.
As a math teacher, we should also evolve with mathematics of the 21st century. It is suggested in many online references these days that we teach by pulling our students
to learning, and learning more. Again, online tools should not define the 21st century mathematics but the learning experience both teachers and students will have. If the teachers
will only focus on the learner, it will challenge the learner to go beyond understanding their knowledge and skills on a subject they will apply their thinking.
When students have embraced the concept of learning, not only will their skills and knowledge be developed but also their disposition. Students will not be anxious when the learning they get is authentic; when in learning they know that they are welcome to make mistakes./