A strong mathematics education is important for high schoolers. Along with literacy, in-depth knowledge of math is essential for setting up students for success in life. Unfortunately, not all students have an opportunity to learn math in a way that actually speaks to them on a personal level.
However, there are ways for teachers to make math interesting and engaging for their students. That’s why Northwest Missouri State University offers an online Master of Science in Education (MSEd.) in Teaching Mathematics program. Educators enrolled in the program will take classes to help them imbue their students with knowledge of numbers for practical, real-life situations, giving them the tools to actualize their potential.
What Is the Purpose of Math?
According to an article from the Gates Foundation, “For too many students, the way we teach math isn’t engaging and doesn’t feel relevant to their lives and futures. They don’t think — or haven’t been shown — that they need math, and they don’t see themselves as ‘math people.'” It is crucial to establish that math is not just about complex equations and formulas. In fact, math has numerous practical implications in daily life. As Ashley Crowe explains in a Prodigy article, people use math in various ways daily. “The importance of mathematics to your child’s success cannot be overstated,” Crowe states. Crowe adds that math is essential for fundamental skills, such as problem-solving, discipline and memory.
Even more importantly, math is critical for financial literacy. Knowing how to handle money requires knowledge of basic mathematics, which “can help you budget, save and even help you make big decisions like changing careers or buying a home,” according to Crowe. Beyond the practical applications, mathematics education also provides students with more intangible benefits. Crowe notes that, while research on this topic is not yet definitive, there is evidence that math proficiency can help improve emotional health: “Strong math skills may even be able to help treat anxiety and depression.”
The Importance of Math Instruction
Teachers play a crucial role in ensuring that students care about mathematics. Educators provide students with basic facts, but they are also integral to helping those students develop a passion for the subject. According to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), the essential concepts found in math courses expand professional opportunities, critical thinking and joy found in these realizations.
Additional education and professional development are vital for teachers who want to make math feel more exciting and relevant to students’ lives. The Gates Foundation argues that it is important to “ensure teachers have access to the high-quality instructional materials and professional learning and other supports they need to help students build positive math mindsets and achieve their potential.” By investing in their own expertise, math educators also help further the crucial cause of mathematical excellence in their students.
Teaching Student-centered Mathematics
Some young people may not see the value of studying math. For example, The New York Times asked students whether they see any point in mastering the subject. “Not all were convinced that young people should have to take higher-level math classes all through high school,” according to the New York Times, but one student shared how their perspective might change: “I can see myself understanding even more how important [math] is and appreciating it more as I get older.”
With the right teacher, more students could appreciate the value of math. After all, some students may dislike math because of a negative experience with prior teachers. As one student told The New York Times, “The problem is people had bad math teachers when they were younger, which made them hate math. I have learned that the key to learning math is to have an open mind.”
Fortunately, programs like Northwest Missouri State University’s online MSEd. in Teaching Mathematics offer a chance for education professionals to find a different path forward. If you are an educator looking for tools to make math compelling and interesting for your students, this program is an ideal choice.
Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s online MSEd. in Teaching Mathematics program.
