THE CALL OF DUTY
ARCHIMEDES ARVIE A. GARCIA
Way back when i started my teaching career, i have observed a wide range of taching tracks which includes of Mathematics. Indeed, Mathematics is considered to be one of hte complex subjects among others especially if the lessons are enganged with the specialization courses in higher level of education. It would truly take a lot of effort as well as time in dealing with different concepts that are related to the topic.
Oftentimes, many people suppose that the basic attribute in becoming a teacher is the mastery of the subject matter. Through studying the preparation in teaching, I’ve come to realize that being a math teacher, you must not only focus on having knowledge about the subject but you should also have a deep background in your lesson to be able to effectively impart its core concepts to the students so they can grasp the said matter. More so, having enough understanding and skills are not just the main thing to be considered but it will become more effective and a lot essential if enthusiasm in teaching is applied. Due to the present generation, the students nowadays are becoming easily tardy and bored especially when it comes to math discussion, but there are several efficient tools that can recuperate the said situation. Such aids are repetition of lesson tackled, providing time-bound activities, group game that will enhance their critical thinking, and many more.
As a teacher, sometimes you have to return to the beginning of how you started learning. In order to emphasize the mathematical concepts to the students, they must experience and learn from it initially for them to create multiple points in consolidating new ideas to a certain topic. Furthermore, preparation inside the class is also a good way of compacting the student’s ideas into more vivid concepts to the topic provided. Not only the mind work is developed but also the students’interaction with their classmates. Each of every students is completely different from another, so in dealing with them, validation (in a sense that you are entrusting them their own abilities), should be built so you can help them cultivate a broader scope of what they understand about Math.
In contrary, the rising conflict in applying all the possible ways in building an effective teaching skill is that sometimes the understanting gained of the students from the schools they have attended are not normally associated or related to the teaching strategy of the teacher so the adjustment will be subjected toward the teachers themselves. However, even though circumstances might arrive, always keep in mind that a teacher never surrenders to his battles. A math teacher believes that everyone of his students, regardless of their level of knowledge, is strong and capable enough to acquire understanding. Even if lesson is difficult, a teacher will always have a solution to aid a certain problem.
Teaching is a tough experience, but a teacher must lnow how to be tougher. What matters most in every teaching experience is that in imparting learning to students, it is not about how you accomplish every lesson that you have prepared, but is is more of enjoying the process of accomplishing the work and seeing the aftermath of the impact of waht you have modified in the lives of your students. Hence, teaching is not all about disseminating knolwedge as you stand in front of your students, but it is encouraging your students to be fascinated in learning by themselves.
Just like leaders, math teachers are not born nor created, but rather they are furnished and honed within a vast period of time so they can serve as a milestone for every aspiring conquerors of tomorrow’s dream.
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The author is a Teacher III of Madapdap Resettlement Senior High School, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.