From the Editor
For a long time now, I have been concerned about an expression which I frequently hear teachers use. When asked what they teach, they will often say they teach mathematics, English, science and so on.
When I hear this response, I reply, “I hope not!” and they look at me with amazement. I then tell them that I hope they are not teaching mathematics, because mathematics is not likely going to be any wiser at the end of the lesson than at the beginning. They must realize that they are teaching students mathematics. They are in the classroom to teach students and not subjects.
Unfortunately, I have, on occasion, met instructors who in fact believed that they were teaching mathematics, and to heck with the students. They may as well have been speaking in an empty room.
Some will say that this concern is only a matter of semantics, but I firmly believe that it is more than that. Students must come before the subject.
I would encourage all members of MCATA to be conscious of this issue, and when asked what they teach, to say students. They could become role models for all teachers. I would like to make it editorial policy that in all our publications, we never use the expression “teach mathematics,” but use the expression “teach students ( children) mathematics.” This might help to make mathematics more understandable and enjoyable for students. I would like to have your comments
Art Jorgensen
From the Editor
Art Jorgensen
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