Mathematics h t n o M n io t a c Edu Erika Johnson With Pioneer Tech Is a Math Champion Story & Photos Contributed by Erika Johnson There is no denying the presence of mathematics in every career. You can't eliminate it from life however much a person or student may wish to do so. Yet, the challenging subject of math is resented by many and avoided by others. This is the battle I fight every day in my classroom at Pioneer Technology Center (PTC). Thankfully, I am blessed to work in CareerTech where the struggle to make valuable connections between real-life context and the math classroom is championed. Because of this, the daunting task of making math meaningful, attainable and engaging keeps me motivated. My students are enrolled in a variety of programs at PTC; more specifically Welding, Construction, Industrial Technology, Biomedical Science, Automotive and Business Information Technology Education this semester. They are thrilled to come to campus for their programs, but not always thrilled to be attending my math class for 50 minutes every weekday. A few may come through my door on the first day excited to learn math, but the majority enter with their shoulders slumped and a gray cloud hanging over their heads. This is where I enter as the champion or superhero for mathematics. Swooping in from around my desk, I welcome them into my universe of Algebra, Geometry, Math of Finance, Math Analysis and more. A world that isn’t bleak and intimidating, but one that is intriguing and, dare I say it, fun! Students interact with each other by conquering the challenges of math
concepts, or breaking-out of virtual escape rooms, and inspiring each other to explore solutions. They become problem solvers and thrive in an environment where they are engaged and invested in their own learning experience. Through competitions and activities that get them up and moving around the classroom, they discover that mathematics is not onedimensional on a simple sheet of paper, but rather multidimensional surrounding them in their environment. This excitement for learning is what I love to see in my students.
I want them to value
mathematics as a treasure.
I want them to value mathematics as a treasure. Undoubtedly, certain aspects of number algorithms do not apply to all career choices, but every career invokes the practice of mathematics. Every program area at PTC demonstrates the integration of mathematics in their respective fields. My students get to experience this firsthand. The subtle turn of my curriculum toward their program connects students to the mathematical concepts represented in their area of interest. Striving to create an environment where students face difficult problems with determination is my classroom goal. Teaching the future workforce to embrace challenges with logic and reasoning guides them to a more satisfying and successful career experience.
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