"I teach high school. Is my work pointless? Not if you think of math as a gym for the mind. Children develop strength, co-ordination and risk taking by climbing jungle gyms on the playground. Grown-ups stay healthy – both mentally and physically – by staying active. Math – when rightly and regularly done – keeps the mind active. It develops analytical thinking, creativity, pattern recognition, patience and focus."
"Usama Kadri is an applied mathematician from Cardiff University. His proposal, recently published in Heliyon, is something out of a science-fiction movie. A series of devices along a coastline would fire acoustic-gravity waves into the oncoming tsunami, theoretically dissipating much of the wave’s energy. "
This week's Student of the Week is Milana Y (photo please!).
I have taught Milana three times: Math 8, PreCalculus 10, and now in Foundations 12. One thing that has remained the same throughout the five years I have known her is her enthusiasm and focus in class. It's really amazing how Milana has always been the first person to offer suggestions, share ideas, and give ideas in class. Even if she gets an answer wrong, this does not deter her. The next time I ask a question, she will have her hand in the air again. It's quite remarkable. For most of us, we tentatively offer answers (and only to things we are 100% certain we know). Then, if (horrors!!!) we make a mistake, we shut down for about the next 2 weeks. It's "so embarrassing" to make a mistake that we avoid giving answers. But not Milana. I honestly find it inspiring how we she keeps participating, keeps thinking, keeps taking risks. She is obviously a person with great self-confidence. We should all take her lead and just realize that making mistakes means... nothing! Of course, Milana does not make a lot of mistakes. In fact, she is an exceptional student. I know she often makes it onto the Principal's List which kind of speaks for itself. She is a hard worker and she always completes her assignments to the best of her ability. Milana, it has been a pleasure to teach you. Thanks for all the contributions that you have made to my class. When everyone else is sleepy or confused I can always count on you to "drive" the class. I wish you all the best in the years ahead. Keep taking chances and believing in yourself. I believe in you too! |
P. WadgeI am your teacher. Obey me. Archives
June 2021
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