Panay News

Mathematic­s in the 21st century

- By Liza P. Sewal a, SST-III, Estefania Montemayor National High School, Dumarao, Capiz

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./

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