Math is a game! It has characters, rules, plots, patterns and goals. In order to be successful in games, one must learn what these elements are and how to use them to achieve the goal. All of my students will be exposed the characters and operators of math (variables, numbers, addition, multiplication, exponents etc.) as they discover the patterns (functions, slopes, and quadratics) that will lead them towards their goals (solving, simplifying and graphing equations) that will develop them lifelong learners with an ability to problem solve.
I like to teach my class in an inquiry based environment where students learn to identify the problems and skills necessary to find possible solutions to these problems. With the knowledge that many mathematical problems can be solved in multiple ways, I encourage my student to explore these problem solving strategies and to make connections to concepts and skills as they are introduced the class. My students will participate in a safe classroom environment where questions and discussions are welcome, critical analysis of problem solving techniques are encouraged and writing about our learning process is required .