Humble yourself.
Ask for help! The professors are more than just ‘willing to help you’, and it is not ‘just their job’, but they truly love helping you because, well, they love math more than you knew was possible, and they care about you! Don’t be afraid to grab a classmate who seems to understand a concept you’re struggling to learn and ask them if they could explain it to you in a different way. I can assure you that it will be very beneficial for both you and your classmates.
Community works.
Your fellow classmates with a bachelor’s degree in math are your friends, not your competition! Chances are, if you’re struggling to understand a concept, you’re not the only one. Get together with your classmates and work through it together. I highly recommend study/hangouts. In my opinion, what’s better than a big ole’ math assignment than a big ole’ math assignment with friends!? The math lounge is a pretty fun place. I considered it my second home. :) And, as weird as it may seem, my math nerd friends and I have such deep bonds from getting slap happy from studying into the wee hours of the morning in our second home. And while math was the basis for our friendship at first, I have been blessed to share meals and engage in deep conversation, spend spring break, and continue relationships with my dear friends as we have scattered all over the world.
Hard work pays off.
Not only did I come away with a better understanding of and compassion for my students and the struggles they face, but also a plethora of practical instructional and management strategies that I have already begun implementing in my classroom as a mathematics teacher. I can look back at my three and a half years and remember the struggles I faced, but more importantly, I can recount the triumphs that met each of those struggles and be thankful for the opportunities I was given to grow. Though I questioned my decision to major in math education in my first year, I am so glad I continued on the path! Regardless of what twists and turns your path takes, I pray that you will be able to embrace opportunities for growth all along the way.
Does Deb’s advice get you excited about the prospect of a math education degree?
Learn more about our mathematics secondary education major at Grace.