Math Reflection

The mathematical content knowledge that teachers need to teach in elementary classrooms includes
mathematic facts, concepts, and mathematical procedures. A deep understanding of mathematics helps a
teacher to be able to make connections between math and other content areas like Algebra, Geometry,
Statistics and Calculus. As a future educator, having content knowledge in understanding fraction
equivalence, addition and subtraction of fractions with denominators, and multiplication of fractions by
whole numbers is essential to be able to teach Math. Most importantly, a teacher needs to be familiar with
geometric figures by knowing how to analyze and classify them based on their properties such as parallel
sides, perpendicular sides or particular angle measures. In addition, a teacher needs to have content
knowledge in technology because it is an important tool that facilitates simple computations, which influence
the mathematics that is taught and enhances students learning. Technologies such as graphing calculators and
computers are tools to help enhance students understanding. A teacher should be able provide examples of
mathematical concepts, algorithms, or proofs and ask questions that assist students in organizing knowledge
around important ideas. Most importantly, knowing how to explain mathematical terms and concepts to
students is essential. As a future teacher, I would like to prepare my students by providing them with a good
mathematical background to prepare them for college and careers.
My Math classes have taught me many important skills like simple operations, for example, addition,
subtraction, identifying prime numbers, square numbers and recognizing even and odd numbers. In addition,
my math classes have helped me in building strong analytical and logical skills by analyzing, solving
complex problems and making good decisions, while learning about pre-algebra, geometry and statistics. In
my Math class 107 I learned about commonly used fractions by using fraction strips to visualize fractional
parts. In Math 207 we are currently learning about definitions of special triangles and quadrilaterals, the
relationships among them, and their properties. Place value is the area where I feel less comfortable in
teaching. I will build on my understanding of place value by learning other strategies like using concrete
materials, as manipulatives to better understand the concept of place value. Multiplication facts is my

strongest area that I feel more comfortable teaching. I am able to use multiplication facts in different
mathematical ways like using multiplication timetables. I feel that it is important for me as a future teacher to
stay current and deepen my understanding of mathematics. My Math 107 and 207 classes have also helped
me understand how to teach math to my future students by creating an interactive and engaging environment
by using different strategies like reinforcing math through games and manipulatives. I believe in enriching
students mathematical experiences by integrating activities that stimulate use of reasoning skills and
creativity when learning content.
My artifact is a math journal on the Pythagorean theorem from Math 207: Math for Elementary
Teachers. The journal required me to write and explain how the distance formula and the Pythagorean
theorem are related. The reason why I choose my math journal as an artifact is because the Pythagorean
theorem is an important concept that students need to know when working with geometric figures. I learned
that the distance formula is obtained from the Pythagorean theorem and the distance between two points in a
coordinate system can be found by using the formula. By writing the journal I was able to reflect and write
about my understanding of the Pythagorean theorem and to be more familiar with the formula. My journal
demonstrates my understanding of the Pythagorean theorem which connects to the Grade 6, 7 and 8 math
standards. Students could apply the Pythagorean theorem to determine unknown side lengths in right
triangles in real world and mathematical problems. Teaching students about the Pythagorean theorem is
important to show how to calculate distances between points. As a future teacher, I would like students to
write journals about current math problems or math related topics to develop their thinking skills. In the near
future, I look forward to helping my students develop their thinking skills and help them build their problem
solving skills in Math.