Summary of Assignment 1

We interviewed two teachers and ten students. The first was Dr. Cailin Lucus and the other was Mr. Ahn, a math teacher from Fraser Heights Secondary who was interviewed via email. Most of the students interviewed were students that Paul tutors from Riverside Secondary and Centennial Secondary.

From this experience I have surmised that a principal challenge for math teachers is typical school politics, mastering the curriculum and course material, challenges in teaching different grades, and lesson planning. One of the main points identified regarding school politics is challenges over grades, particularly in the 90+ range and the ~50 range. This is understandable as top students strive to get as high a score as possible for scholarship and post-secondary opportunities while struggling students try to pass the course. This usually requires some tactical diplomacy between the school administration, the teacher, and the parents. Both teachers believe that knowing the curriculum and teaching in an appropriate manner to the curriculum is key to success. Regarding lesson planning, it seems that it is important to have a solid repertoire of lesson plans built up initially and then adjust as needed as time progresses. Both teachers find teaching younger grades more challenging due to a higher number of weaker students and more behavioral problems.

Most of the students interviewed believed that mathematics is something that is quite accessible to everyone and not just the academic elite. Most seem to have at best a lukewarm attitude towards mathematics and most only take it because it is a requirement for higher education or graduation. However, almost all of the students believe that mathematics is important and useful.

A few points of summary include that new teachers should plan carefully and as they become more experienced can use terser forms of lesson plans, such as checklists. Also, classroom management is more important for younger grades than necessarily delivering the best course possible. Finally, a teacher needs to know more than the textbook and in particular ways to engage students in class to increase interest.