BLOCK B
MATH ARTICLE 2
INTERVIEW WITH GRADE 10 MATH TEACHER
To start the interview, the first question that was asked was, "What is math all about?" for a more general explanation on what the subject includes.
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Mr. Li defines math as "essentially just applied logic." He explains that students use their intelligence and what they know to efficiently solve and create unique and difficult math problems.
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Then, "Why is math important?"
He answered that math is a necessary skill as it provides the ability to problem solve as many people will come across issues and problems that once they learn how to surpass, the challenges become easier.​​
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Speaking about the students, to get a better understanding of their view from a math teacher's perspective, the next question asked was, "What is the general student opinion of math at Palmer?"
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He​​ responded that some students that have many challenges with the course view math more as work, rather than a subject that can teach you valuable skills. He adds that he aims to fix such a prevalent issue as he would like to make math fun for all students by including contests and entertaining games in his teaching.
This interview with Mr. Li will include more topics oriented on math programs, why math is important and how we use it in our daily lives, how Palmer teaches their students on math, and both students and teachers opinions.
​"What does math teach students outside of the curriculum?"
He explains Palmer has math programs that are able to teach students how to manage their personal finances- referring to taxes or grocery shopping in the future.
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"What is something Palmer does better than other schools when it comes to math?"
Palmer places more of their effort on making sure students are motivated to try hard in math, and preparing students for post-secondary mathematics courses that leads to jobs such as engineering, accounting, or general sciences.
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"What do you think the impacts of math are on the Palmer community, as well as society as a whole?"
Math is able to build the IQ of the community, and specifically for Palmer, students who excel in the school's math generally go on to become organized and intelligent students.​​​
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This concludes the end of the article.
Adding on the topic of students who dislike math, "How do you engage with students who dislike math? Do you try to change their opinion on the subject?"
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He answered working towards making math more fun and engaging by including math-related activities and not just note-taking.
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"Do you believe that math is present in Palmer at a sufficient quantity?" Palmer has a variety of courses for each level and all of them are enough to ensure the students have a range of what to pursue for future education.​ Palmer also participates in many contests such as Gauss, Pascal, and much more.