Mr. Beck’s Guiding Principles

to the

Teaching and Learning of Mathematics

I. My Background

I am three people learning to be an educator. First, I am a person of high expectations of myself and those around me. Second, I am a family man with two lively kids and a loving wife. Third, I am an engineer and the product of corporate America. This is who I am and it shapes how I teach.

II. Math is Power

To be math empowered is to have command of one’s universe by seizing opportunities through persuasive communications and skillful decision making. You can move mountains with math. On the other side; one can do very little without mathematics. Math is everywhere, it is a part of our culture as well as our human spirit. To deny its existence or neglect the role mathematics performs in our world, deprives one of half their intellectual endowment.

III. Math is Problem Solving

Problem solving starts at the recognition that you do not know the answer. One begins problem solving by breaking the problem into small pieces. List what you know and don’t know about each of the pieces. Proceed as far as you can with what you know. If you get stuck, ask questions regarding what you don’t know. Discuss with a friend all you know about a problem, you will be surprised how often you are able to answer your own question. Some problems you may have to put aside for a while and start fresh later. Never give up.

IV. Math is a Language

Algebra is the language of relationships and functions. Geometry is the language of dimensions, shapes and space. Calculus is the language of the physical world. Every profession and area of study has a special vocabulary that allows people to effectively and efficiently communicate their ideas. To understand math one must be able to comprehend and verbalize math’s specific vocabulary.

V. Our Classroom

We are a learning community that succeeds by working together and respecting each other. We are all people, learners and teachers. As people, we have needs to be treated fairly and enjoy what we are doing. As learners, we are predators of knowledge that have an endless thirst for wisdom. As teachers, we are patient with our efforts and fearless of the unknown.