Teaching Math for All Learners 12

Math skills are essential in today’s technological society. An understanding of mathematical systems and algorithms is necessary to insure the student a competitive edge in career fields. As these math skills relate to the elementary classroom, a solid foundation must be laid for students to build upon in subsequent years. The teacher therefore needs to create a learning environment that is conducive to helping children be a part of building their understanding. Problem solving, reasoning, making connections, and building understanding actively involve the student in their learning. Mathematics should have meaning and lead students to ask “why” in addition to “how” math happens. Developing competence is a goal of this course.

Math is an orderly, patterned, consistent, predictable subject. Early philosophers considered math to be the way to explain all of nature. Galileo Galilei has said that, "Mathematics is the language with which God has written the universe." Through the study of math one can appreciate the ways that God has designed the universe. Examples of this include:
1. God’s delight in symmetry and beauty is evidenced in His creation.
2. The consistency of mathematical truths demonstrates the orderliness, precision, and consistency of God.
3. Mathematical patterns are predictable and reliable because a faithful, dependable God established them.