Towards a More Humanistic Approach in Mathematics ...

Since enrolling in the Master of Teaching and Learning Program, I certainly appreciate the idea of 'humanism', more than ever before, even as a mathematics teacher. I used to think that it has no place in the world of science and mathematics. This new appreciation has motivated me to change my beliefs about teaching and learning. It is currently shaping the way I see my role as a mathematics teacher. 

INSPIRING ...

            One of the articles that inspired me to read up more about 

            humanism was titled 'A Dreamer, but not the Only One'             

            which was published in The Star newspapers on the 8th

            December 2011. The writer connects the concept of

            'Humanism' to the song titled  'Imagine'  written by the late

            John Lennon. He made the concept come alive in an informal

            and enjoyable way.The song certainly gels with humanism, a

            concept that emerged in the 60's, focusing on human freedom,

            dignity, and potential. To be honest, I would have given the

            article a skip had I not joined the Masters of Teaching

            and Learning program then. I must say this journey has

            been an inspiring and enriching one.        

                    IMAGINE LYRICS

                                                               

                                     Imagine there's no heaven
                                                 It's easy if you try
                                                 No hell below us
                                                 Above us only sky
                                                 Imagine all the people
                                                 Living for today...
                                                 Imagine there's no countries
                                                 It isn't hard to do
                                                 Nothing to kill or die for
                                                 And no religion too
                                                 Imagine all the people
                                                 Living life in peace...
                                                 You may say I'm a dreamer
                                                 But I'm not the only one
                                                 I hope someday you'll join us
                                                 And the world will be as one
                                                 Imagine no possessions
                                                 I wonder if you can
                                                 No need for greed or hunger
                                                 A brotherhood of man
                                                 Imagine all the people
                                                 Sharing all the world...
                                                 You may say I'm a dreamer
                                                 But I'm not the only one
                                                 I hope someday you'll join us
                                                 And the world will live as one  

                                                     

             I now understand why the English teacher chose the song

            ' Imagine' to be performed during our graduation ceremony

             a couple of semesters ago. At that time, I did wonder why he

             picked this particular number over the others, which I thought

             were more appropriate. 

             IMAGINE!...even a song can convey such deep meaning.

             This piece is indeed timeless...

             To listen to the song, click on Imagine 

             Although I do appreciate the Humanism ideology,

             that does not mean I usually find Humanism practical

             in my line of work.

Where the subject matter is concerned, I am convinced that there are important and positive connections between humanism and mathematics. For instance, I now see the use of technology as a humanising device, to help students, subject to constraints imposed by the curriculum, complete tedious mathematical tasks. This frees up a larger proportion of the students' time, enabling them to focus on the more important issues like reflecting, making meaning of their numerical answers and predicting future scenarios. This is certainly more relevant, useful and meaningful to them as it helps them connect what they are learning to the real world.This view point is also supported by research. In 2011, Martorell noted that, "to be successful, students must understand the importance and applicability of Mathematics". Otherwise, mathematics will only be accessible to those who are patient and diligent enough to complete the tedious or difficult mathematical tasks. In terms of helping students cope in this area, I facilitate workshops such as "Using the Scientific Calculator for Statistics" under the Student Success program. 

Therefore, instead of continuously drilling formulae and procedures into my students' heads, I now interject my lessons with provoking questions and situations to motivate them to reflect and make sense of their work, their attitude to work and the world around them. In short, my objective is to motivate my students to connect their math content and the real world situations and eventually place them in a better place as problem solvers. Students need to be made aware that mathematics is not about the content they are learning but problem solving. I believe that the mathematics workshop held in Wisma Subang Jaya on 28 February, facilitated by Mr. Jeff Anderson from the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Cumputing was aimed at driving home this point. 

I am convinced that working towards this objective jives with our core purpose, which is to educate the youths of the world to take their productive place as leaders in the global community. As teachers in the 21st century, we need to be truly preparing our students to socially function effectively, to master information systems and to compete effectively in the global job market. As Mr Jeff Anderson stressed in his presentation, most of the top 10 jobs in the world involves the study of mathematics. However it is not the content that they need to remember but the problem solving skills, in the long run.  


Thus, the humanistic way of thinking does have a place in how we shape our students and in mathematics, in my opinion, it focus on how we come to terms with the resources and possibilities available to us.