Catalina Dvila

January 12, 2015

EE 333
Assignment One
Mathematics has been the key factor that has lead to great discoveries
and advances in medicine, health, technology, as well as in commerce
worldwide. According to the National Assessment of Educational from the
year 1990 to 2013 there have been mathematical improvements in the
following: fourth and eighth grade proficiency, SAT-math scores, ACT-math
scores, and an increase in students taking AP Calculus and Statistics.
However, in contrast to the improvements, the United States has failed to
revamp the education system thus leading to the possible loss of leadership
in the competitive market. The loss of leadership of the United States is
associated with the suffering mathematics education.
A successful mathematical education can ensure a higher college
graduation rates and an increase in income. According to the research from
the National Math Panel math is less appealing around late middle school
when algebra is introduced. In the United States only 16 percent of high
school students are proficient or interested in STEM careers because STEM
careers require a higher education. This reflects that the mathematics
education is at flaw. But both the National Math Panel and the National
Council of Teachers of Mathematics present various points that could change
and improve how mathematics is taught in the United States.

In order to improve mathematics the curricula must be focused

meaning there must be logic and depth that will allow students to make and
form clear understandings of the key concepts and standard algorithms.
There must also be structured and planned year-to-year mathematical
curricula that does not include repetition. The learning processes for the
students must allow them know have significant and sufficient time as the
teacher must not move on quickly yet also realize that all students will work
and perform at their own pace. As in the curricula, the learning must consist
of clearly understanding the algorithms such as addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. It was observed that the learning experience will
yield a better outcome if students are allowed to work in pairs or in groups.
In times of continuous assessment and accountability as teachers, it
requires that they know the material/content well. Teachers cannot
effectively teach what they do not know. For new teachers learning the
content requires the support from the school to ensure that they posses a
deep understanding. When instructing the class, the instruction should be
both teacher-centered and student-centered. Balancing instruction allows
students to learn independently or in a group as they teach or learn from
their peers. Assessing what has been learned should be formative and
summative. For the elementary grades formative assessment creates less
stress hence fostering a fondness for mathematics.
In instruction, applications to the real world help in engaging the
student as well as explicit instruction. Explicit instruction given by the

teacher will demonstrate what mathematical vocabulary should be used and

how the problem can be understood and solved step-by-step. However, it is
also important to take into account that not all students will need explicit
instructions. Improving the mathematics education in the United States has
to involve the national government, which can be seen in the Common Core
Standards. The CCS are expected to level the education plain field in order
to grow as a nation as opposed to individual state growth. CCS is one step
that can impact the mathematics education. Educators must understand the
content and concepts of instruction but most importantly they must
understand the students to tailor their teaching to personalize and
differentiated education.