Enrichment

My philosophy for math is that we must work to help students truly understand math rather than them just being able to do the math. This philosophy holds true for all students. I use this idea to guide my instruction of enrichment students as well. I challenge them to explain their thinking and to truly understand on a conceptual level the math they are completing. This helps students become stronger mathematicians and apply the math they are currently completing to higher level concepts. When working through beyond grade level concepts, I work with students to understand the conceptual and visual versions of the math. I do not encourage, nor rarely even show, the procedural or traditional ways to solve the math concepts. I do not want students to just be able to do the math; I'd rather have them be able to understand the higher levels. In addition to this, I also work with enrichment students on problem solving. I want them to develop the resolve to persevere through difficult math. This is oftentimes something they won't face in a math classroom until much later in their math careers. If I can help build that skill now, then I consider ourselves successful. If you ever have any questions about my philosophy on math enrichment or other enrichment questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!