Leslie Garcia

LBS 400

Math Reflection
To teach mathematics in an elementary classroom I need to know and understand the
mathematics framework. I need to understand how to use the standards and engage my students
in key mathematical practices. More importantly I need to be extremely knowledgeable in
mathematics because my knowledge/understanding is a reflection of my students. I also need to
ensure my students are absorbing and retaining critical information. Depending on what grade
level I am teaching I need to refer to the Standards for Mathematical Content. I should develop
an understanding of my students and their culture in order to enhance mathematical instruction.
Lastly, it is beneficial to both my students and I that I attend trainings, collaborate with other
teachers, use various forms of instruction (activities, technology, assessment, etc.).
My classes have prepared me to explain, in detail, examples and concepts to students. My
classes have made me practice the process of explaining a concept I understand, to someone who
does not understand at all. In my Math 207 class, I wrote paragraphs explaining how and why I
got the answer I wrote down. For my professors it was not enough to have the right answer, yet
explain the significance in acquiring that answer. I acknowledged that when I can explain
something to someone else and they understand it, this means I fully understand the
idea/concept. If I am unable to explain a concept/idea to someone else, this means I need to work
on my understanding. I have worked for the school district as an assistant for three years and
have seen what math teachers do to keep their students interested and on track. For example, in
an Algebra 1 class a teacher used the acronym y = mX + b (equation of a line), as your =
mommas eX + boyfriend. I found this hilarious and it caught students attention. I doubt any of
these students will ever forget the formula for the equation of a line.

Leslie Garcia
LBS 400

I feel prepared in mathematics until the level of trigonometry/statistics. Any math level
below this I am confident in teaching. I have always enjoyed the reward of solving a problem in
math. I am not stating that I enjoyed the headaches of multiple attempts before I actually solved a
problem. However I found math to be fun and challenging because to me it was like a hidden
puzzle of which I had to find the missing pieces. I feel that I excelled in the area of Algebra I and
Geometry. I attempted calculus but had to drop the course because I was drastically falling
behind.
I feel less prepared in actually demonstrating math concepts. I am not sure all my
students will understand me, although I know that everyone learns differently and some require
more practice/exposure than others. When explaining something I need to pretend like the
person I am explaining it to does not understand, this way I am teaching every step and direction
clearly.
I plan to share my portfolios from my Math 207. These portfolios took sometimes a week
or two to complete. These portfolios are thorough, concise, and provide my own examples. I
also have written explanations from my math 107 class that run anywhere from half a page to a
full page of explanations for one word problem.
The work samples demonstrate my knowledge and learning in mathematics because I
learned how to interpret my understanding to someone who does not understand. I also provided
clear direct step by step instruction and examples to show how it works and why it works. My
work samples connect to my learning in teaching mathematics because I know what is required
of me in order to become an effective math teacher. More importantly I know how to approach
teaching a mathematics concept and showing how and why the concept is important.

Leslie Garcia
LBS 400