This simile can be interpreted in different ways. First, it can represent feelings towards math. People can fall into one of the following categories: love the ride, hate the ride, and ride the ride despite their fears. The latter are the people who have transitioned from hate to admitting they have a known or unknown fear, and are now ready to tackle their issues to begin their journey to appreciating and understanding mathematics. I’ve been in all three categories throughout my life time and will be sharing those memories in the subsequent posts.
The second perspective is the experience of being on a rollercoaster as viewed from the eyes of the rider who fears it. The upward movement at the start of the rollercoaster is nerve-wrecking, anxiety building, uneasiness, and surge of doubt regarding their initial desire to ride in the first place. This represents the frustration individuals experience when learning math concepts or solving problems.
The confusion experience of math is represented by the rest of ride with its different twists and turns, its jolts from the ups and downs, and the releasing of screams. Some individuals hold the handle tightly while others release their grasp to let their hands wave freely in the air. As people ride it more, then the more courage they may have to putting their hands up. Hence, the more open individuals are to math, then the more willing they may be to challenging themselves.
The end of the ride when the train stops at its post is the relief moment that people feel as they reflect at how they made it through, which is the “Aha” moment in math when you understand a concept or find the solution to a problem.
Therefore, in my classroom, I explain to students that they will experience frustration, confusion, and “Aha” moments. Although the length of each “rider” varies for each person, each will reach the end.
Which category do you currently fall into?
Who am I?
What is the essence of Mathalinas?
Why am I blogging?
I have been an elementary school teacher since January of 2004. I have experience in teaching students from second through eighth grade, and have taught all subjects at some point in my career. However, teaching mathematics has been one constant subject I taught every year.
Mathalinas is the name given to me by a couple of my students. It is the word math and my last name minus the “S” combined. I loved it, so now I’m owning it!
I have seen students in upper elementary school reach my class with a mentality that they are not “math people” and would love nothing to do with the subject. In regards to elementary school teachers, research data has shows that many of them lack confidence in teaching mathematics. I have also heard great teachers share their issues with math concepts. In addition, I have experienced parents stating how they were “never good at math.”
Therefore, my dream is create a math center that will provide the necessary support for these individuals to rewire their mindset and experience a different way of learning. However, this will be a work in progress.
In the meantime, I want to start connecting with individuals so we can start on our journey into unlocking our mathematical potential.
MATHalinas 