Michael Tward

Background

About Michael Tward

I am an elementary teacher, responsible for the twin educational goals of teaching children across all subject areas and nurturing intellectual and emotional growth. I understand that the core of good teaching is building good relationships, and that allows me to truly understand my students' learning and "meet them where they are". It also allows my students to make constant progress and feel successful. This short interview on mathematics might illuminate some of my teaching philosophies._What is most interesting for you in mathematics?_ Applying math to the real world. I really enjoy presenting concepts and puzzles in ways that allow students to use their everyday intuition as a foundation. By applying the latest understanding of how children learn math, the all-too-common statement "Math isn't for me," isn't something I hear from my students. I also echo Arthur Benjamin's assertion that a thorough understanding of statistics by the end of high school is a neglected necessity of math education, precisely because the word “statistics” has been so watered-down by poor understanding in journalism and special interests in advertising and politics. Benjamin explains that statistics is the science of games, of risk and reward, and of predictions and planning. These topics may seem advanced, but even the youngest students can learn about these concepts in an enjoyable way through social problem solving and interaction with fascinating manipulatives- I am constantly upgrading my skills and I have seven additional qualifications recognized by the Ontario College of Teachers: Sr. Math, Int. Health and Physical Education, Int. Instrumental Music, P/J Vocal Music 1 & 2, Special Education 1, and Kindergarten 1.