Entrance Slip 2

Mathematical/scientific terminology is necessary in the classroom.  It is very difficult to discuss the nuances of sequences and series without first defining and understanding what each word stands for and properties associated with each.  Likewise, without words like parallel, transversal, and alternate interior angles, it would be near impossible to introduce non-intersecting lines and their properties.  At the same time, when first introducing students to algebra, explaining what x is using mathematical/scientific terminology usually leads to more confusion and frustration.  

What is x?

It is unknown… 

If it is unknown, how do we know what it is when we find it?

I think that we as teachers need to be as precise as possible in our explanations and objectives in the classroom.  It is sometimes convenient but unnecessary to introduce a lot of vocabulary in the classroom.  Even though there can be precision and efficiency in using mathematical/scientific terminology, isn’t the real purpose the understanding of the concepts?  And if we teachers can help students understand and learn without the use of big mathematical/scientific words, isn’t our goal achieved as well?   

Talking about the article, it is sad to see the power of assimilation in a very negative way. Although English serves as the mainstream scientific language, it cannot be translated into other languages without losing their original meaning.  “It’s not just the words that will be lost…[the] language is the heart of [the] culture, it holds [the] thoughts, [the]ways of seeing the world. It’s too beautiful for English to explain” (Kimmerer 2014, p.50).  

So, in order to indigenize my classroom, I will always strive to understand, appreciate, and celebrate the various backgrounds my students bring to learning and the ways they acquire knowledge.  I will endeavour to always be inclusive and to create a learning environment that also each student to reach his/her potential.  I will always teach from the heart.  As Bill Tall Bull explains “If you speak it [from] here [heart], they [the students] will hear you” (Kimmerer 2014, p.59).   

 

 

Reference

Kimmerer, Robin. <i>Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants</i>, Milkweed Editions, 2014. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ubc/detail.action?docID=1212658.