I'm a Senior Mathematics Teacher in South East Melbourne.
I've been teaching for 3 years, this is my fourth year on the job, and I absolutely love it.
I teach primarily Year 11 and 12 VCE Maths Methods and Specialist Maths.
Fire away!
[AMA] I'm a High School Maths Teacher. Ask Me Anything!
MathNerd on 01/05/2018 - 08:52
closed Comments
Not often. Only when I'm taking a break. I'm very dedicated to teaching maths.
Hi,
Thank you for dedicating your time to this thread.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN was basically made because USA had ASAT's and we decided they knew better so we went with that. Most of the Nordic countries removed homework altogether and are #1 in the world for the last few decades. Is there any research in Australia in regards to this? Is there any chance of removing NAPLAN?Homework
Homework was invented by the communists to teach children they have to work more. To set them with the mindset of more work. We followed, again, USA's model when they wanted to compete with the Iron Curtain's school system model. We took it.
How can I go about, in my kids's school years, without him having home-work?
The premise behind homework is that the more you practice something, the better you get at it. I find this to be true in general. Of course unless you're just doing it wrong over and over again, then it achieves nothing.
I understood my maths concepts as soon as they were taught, but it took long hours and blood, sweat and tears to get to the level of understanding that I have today.
That's what homework is trying to achieve. So whichever way it's disguised, it's effectively a case of "practice makes perfect". For example, I forgot how to write an English essay and perform a language analysis, only because I don't practice this every day.I'm not sure I agree 100%. While the theory works, not in practice.
I'm one of those people who people who did about 20years of schooling. Including countless hours of homework. ALL of my colleagues who did the same thing, didn't end up too good in life. Most of them have low-end jobs and struggling financially.
Yeah, not sure.
Thanks for teaching me last year! :D
Oh gosh who's this? :)
Reveal yourself! Or enable PMs, haha!
I may or may not have enabled PMs :P
Now that you've enabled it, go and check them ;)
How to use AmEx to its full advantage?
What AmEx card(s) do you have?
Do you agree with Liberal MP Andrew Laming that teachers have too many holidays?
What do i think? I'm glad you asked. Well, while kids need those breaks, it's less clear that the teachers do, and i imagine that's partly where he's coming from.
Honestly, it's yet another politician that's come along trying to make headlines by bagging out teachers. We have a name for these people: "Teacher-bashers". It gets people talking and evokes emotions because of the different working conditions we get compared to other occupations, so a lot of people see it as "cool" or "funny" to bag out teachers. This sort of article is a perfect example of this theory at work.
I've just been reading through the comments and noticed this apt comment: "Election coming up. Time to pick some easy targets in the community and turn everyone against them". Couldn't agree with this person more.
tl:dr Our education is basically a mess because people have no respect for teachers and don't value education.
My wife is a casual primary teacher. So the only holidays she gets are unpaid, and often not by choice. But in general anyone who thinks teachers get too much time off needs their head examined. Even as a casual she's up late nights and spends her own money on the students. A full time teacher also has to grade work, develop material, and meet personal development requirements.
What really annoys me is the busy work they've added to the pile. The whole mess that is recertification every 3 years for full time teachers and 5 years for casual is a farce. Attending training at your own expense and writing long reports that prove that you've taken part in every aspect of teaching, and having someone sponsor you even if you're a casual is a huge burden. Lots of teachers are just dropping out.
Children and parents aren't the only ones with bad attitudes. The glut of teachers in NSW created by allowing people with bad grades to do teaching for decades means that teachers are expendable and they can impose just about any condition on a teacher and if they don't like it someone else will take the job. When people actively seek to make the job harder because they perceive that it's too easy you can expect education to go to hell.
Wow, you've struck the nail smack bang on its head! Teaching isn't respected as the majority of people see it as a "bludge" job, which couldn't be further from the truth.
Now, in saying this, it is actually possible to bludge through it by not actually doing your job properly, and sitting up the front and just dictating to students, but that would be a minority of them. If you take up the job of a teacher, please do it right and don't give all the excellent teachers out there a bad name.
I'm happy that Eddie Woo took the spotlight a while ago, he brought education and teachers back into the sphere of something to talk about, and people can see how a dedicated teacher works. Unfortunately with these politicians that then come along, they ruin all of that with one speech or statement.
What a sad state of affairs.
You're not really dealing with the core issues there though are you?
Simplistic references to 'Teacher Bashing' certainly won't cut it during Union negotiations.The fact is some teachers have lousy training, do a lousy job, do virtually no after-hours work, yet survive and kick up the increment scale. We've all had them as teachers.
Then there are others, who are dedicated, capable, and put the work in.
It's also true that most teachers have never worked in industry, or indeed any other profession, so tend to be a little blinkered. Going from primary school, to high school, to University, and straight back to high school is a little insular. That's just the reality.
The main case i can think of for extra time off compared to others is the stressors connected with classroom management. That can be very very stressful, with kids pushing and pressing every button. I'm surprised no one has really asked you about this aspect of teaching, as i suspect that is what drives many out. There's also the issue of teachers being cycled on contract, with no real career development. Don't think anyone has mentioned that either. But then compare their situation to pre-school teachers - they're the ones really getting screwed…
Currently doing spesh 1+2 and methods 3+4. Also doing business management 1+2, but I hate it and want to take up further 1+2 instead. Is doing all 3 maths subjects a good idea? Do the students who pick up all subjects tend to do well?
Where are you studying these?
Yes some students do take all 3 subjects, but further is just so different in terms of its approach compared to methods and spesh (on top of the need to keep changing your calculator mode between degrees/radians and exact/approximate). I find that doing all 3 would just lead to confusion and not do you any good.
Unless you really like maths, then it's a different story, haha.
Not a teacher but yes I would. My school didn't let me and I forever regret not pushing the issue, apparently it was "unfair on the other students" yet all my friends at private schools were doing it.
I too did BM as my final unit as I did Accounting 3/4 in Year 11 and was forced to do a 6th(?) unit in Year 12 despite me being certain I would only need 5.
I was very demotivated in BM and got a horrendous study score but my 2 maths scores, phycsis etc got my a very good ATAR/ENTER.
Yeah that sucks. Many public schools allow all 3 math subjects but you aren't alone. I know someone from a top private school denied the same thing with the same reason.
Meh, so could be worse, my school didn't even run spesh classes. Only 2 students shared to do it so they cancelled the class.
Not really since only 2 can count to your top 4 subject scores.
Whats your thoughts on tuition centres? Would you consider sending your students to them if they are struggling in your subjects? Do you think the fees are worth it?
Some are good, some are rip offs. Depends on the student really.
Revoking my question (someone had asked it) haha. Best wishes to ya mate
Thanks mate. What was your question, out of interest?
How do you manage difficult students that have attitudes and lack of motivation?
I just ask them politely to at least pay attention out of respect for their fellow classmates and for me as a teacher.
All I expect is a little appreciation for the hard work I do to make the subject as interesting and dynamic as possible.
Unfortunately not everyone views maths through the same lens that I do, but a little respect can go a long way.
What’s dx/ dy?
It's the derivative of x with respect to y.
It can also be evaluated as dx/dy = 1/(dy/dx) assuming dy/dx ≠ 0.the first derivative is what i was looking ;-)
Of course!
Are teachers from private schools paid differently? How much more? Would you consider teaching at a private school?
How would you score the teaching quality of private schools in general?
Thank you.
Are teachers from private schools paid differently? How much more?
I would assume so, I've never looked into the details. The VIC Department of Education is my employer, whereas a private school teacher most likely has the Principal as their employer. I would also hazard a guess that a teacher that a private school wants to hold on to, will get paid a lot more.
Would you consider teaching at a private school?
I'm open to all options but at the moment, I'm extremely happy where I am. You need more than just a fancy name and reputation to be a good school to work for, you need great colleagues, good students and many other things like make up the package.
How would you score the teaching quality of private schools in general?
The same as a public school! Going to a private school will not necessarily guarantee you better teachers and automatic high grades. As a student, you have to work for your results no matter where you go. A private school may have better facilities such as better tech or a bigger oval, but if a student is lazy and disinterested then a private school is not going to solve their problems.
What is the difference between slow maths and quick maths?
For example what does
Two plus two is four
Minus one that's three, quick mathsMean?
Quick maths (or maffs as it's commonly said) is maths that can be done mentally very quickly. Adding 2 and 2 then subtracting 1 is a very quick calculation.
Slow maths would be when you're asked to calculate the volume of the solid of revolution formed when the graph of y = 16 - x^2 between x = -4 and x = 4 is rotated about the x-axis.
square root of 6413607225?
80085.
lol
Lol. Do kids still do that with their calculators?
No. It's not funny anymore!
Do you really have a Citizen Satellite Wave CC9025-51E? (I hope you bought that on sale!) How's the GPS time sync, and do you use that much? Do you use the bezel slide rule in everyday life or in teaching your students? Do you have a big watch collection? And, are you also a pilot? :)
Thanks.
I actually do. I love that watch, it's my favourite one by far. Whilst I don't wear it everyday, I do admire it and the tech inside it. I did buy it on sale, for quite a good price (I paid only ~ 30% of the RRP after factoring in all discounts and TRS etc, not to mention the amazing haul of points)!
I use the GPS time sync whenever I change time zones, or whenever daylight savings starts or ends. It's very accurate and works well.
No I don't use the bezel slide rule, I haven't figured out how to work it. I'll need to devote a day to figuring that out.
I do have a big watch collection, 4 Citizen Eco-Drives and one Sturhling.
Am I a pilot? Of course not, I'm a maths teacher!Great to hear. I was thinking of buying that but thought the aviation stuff was a waste for me. Found the Satellite Wave CC9015-54E to be more to my liking. But didn't buy due to the large diameter vs my wimpy thin wrist. Now that one seems to be sold out everywhere. Well, saved me >$1k, lol.
https://www.starbuy.com.au/citizen-promaster-air-eco-drive-s…A quick watch slide rule vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuK_77DEUfw
I meant do you also fly as a hobby/in spare time, and thus the reason for the aviators' watch. :)
That's a very nice watch too. Citizen Satellite Waves have got great looks to them. They look boss.
Thanks for the video on the slide rule, I'll check it out.
No I don't fly as a hobby, I do love travelling in A380 planes (in the exit row where possible in the upper deck)! Hopefully will try suites one day :)
Well done MathNerd. Didn’t quite know you were a true MathNerd.
What’s your opinion on Vedic maths? Have you ever tried it? Do you think it’s a good idea to join kids for some similar program such as, say Abacus?
Yes, was a big decision to make the username a true reflection of myself.
I've never heard of Vedic maths before your mention of it, I haven't really dipped my feet into "mental arithmetic calculation techniques" just yet, I've just been focusing on teaching maths such as algebra, trigonometry, calculus and probability in as many exciting ways as possible.
If you see that your child is developing a natural affinity towards maths especially mental arithmetic, then go for it and enrol them in these programs. Otherwise they'll be a waste of time.
It originated from India. Shows you quick calculation on arithmetic and higher level maths like integration by parts. Students should focussed on the understanding of the concept, once they master it, they may look into vedic maths for extra enrichment.
Apologies if it's been asked but if I am an Engineering grad and want to teach high school maths later down the track what would be the best pathway to do so?
I always admired my maths teachers and strongly considered doing teaching out of uni but decided to go with engineering instead for a more 'broad' degree…
Reading some of the answers it seems like you are a great teacher with a lot of passion. When teachers find their students success rewarding it definitely shows, very easy to tell a teacher actively interested in what they teach vs one that doesn't! I credit a lot to my high school maths/physics teachers.
I am an Engineering grad and want to teach high school maths later down the track what would be the best pathway to do so?
I've answered this previously, but in a nutshell, the quickest way is via a 2 year Master of Teaching degree. There's no shortcuts anymore, the government pushed this idea of the longer a teacher spends learning about education the better they'll be, which I don't necessarily agree with completely. However, the universities are pushing for more "teaching rounds", where you get to trial being a teacher, and usually after the very first round about half or more of the candidates quit, as they realise that teaching is not just regurgitating knowledge that you've learnt. It is so much more.
Reading some of the answers it seems like you are a great teacher with a lot of passion. When teachers find their students success rewarding it definitely shows, very easy to tell a teacher actively interested in what they teach vs one that doesn't! I credit a lot to my high school maths/physics teachers.
Thanks for the kind words, yes I believe I bring a lot of passion to my teaching, my students all think I'm a bit too crazy about maths. Once I actually dared to jump onto the RateMyTeachers website, searched my name up and lo and behold there were comments there saying that "he's a guy that loves his maths", which I have a good laugh about. The educational experience of a student should be as enjoyable as possible, and when you make maths fun you're helping that journey along a lot.
What do you think of Eddie Woo?
Short answer: He's an absolute champ, a legend.
Long answer: I admire him as one of my heros. What he's done for maths education is tantamount to what Pythagoras has done for mathematics. The first video I saw of him in the classroom instantly put a smile on my face. You can tell he loves what he does, he loves his maths and he loves explaining it in energetic and exciting ways. He's really talented in other facets as well, such as guitar playing and multiple other things. I can never be as great as he is, but watching him fills me with hope that there's others out there that value exciting maths teaching as much as I do. I wish I could meet him in real life, he's a superstar.
What do you think of him then?
I like him too, I wish I had a teacher like him when I was in high school :)
Not sure how he would go if he was teaching at a school with low literacy and numeracy levels plus behavioural & welfare issues.
Not hating on the guy, I think he is great!
how many decimal places do you have the value of pi memorised to?
BlazinPast answered this question. Have a read of the whole AMA, it's a great read :)
Actually, can you explain how zk-snarks work?
I've watched videos from the zcash team. They're great devs but not the best at teaching.
Maybe you can break it down for me.Username checks out.
And no, I don't know how zk-snarks works. I haven't invested in any crypto, I'm not a risk taker.
Username checks out
Well I try to pick realistic usernames.
Even without investing, the zero knowledge proofs sound interesting. If you ever look into them and understand them, feel free to PM me here :)
Is there always a smart arse in every single class you teach?
No.
What's 9+10?
21.
But on a more serious note, 19.
I love your enthusiasm. I could never handle kids but love love teaching. I love all things science, mainly biology and chemistry. A bit like yourself, it's the sharing of knowledge and transferring that knowledge to the next generation is amazing. Seeing kids or people understand concepts is also a great achievement. It's a shame kids these days can be a handful.
Have you encountered any difficulties while teaching in regards to students behaviour and whatnot?
Do these random simple math questions you're getting in this thread, remind you of smart ass high school kids?
Given that enrolment rates for business/commerce courses vastly exceed those of courses that require more mathematics (Think physics, engineering, statistics, pure maths, comp sci), do you think there should be a different balance in pedagogy at the year 11+12 levels?
For me, I have no issues with the current study design of methods 3+4 or Specialist, but I wondered if there's any social or economic benefit to introducing a more detailed "specialist commerce math" course at the same complexity as the current Specialist Maths. I think the current year 11+12 model leaves high aptitude students who don't give a stuff about STEM at the door and wastes two years of learning.
To my mind, the pedagogy would be built around the mathematical reasoning behind objective managerial and business decision making and would be more useful to those who will go on to commerce, business, law, consulting and/or entrepreneurial undergraduate streams.
- Financial management and equations to rationalise this (Bond, stock, bank calculations)
- Business valuation calcs
- Micro and Macroeconomic equations
- Game theory for decision making (Nash, Cournot, Bertrand, WTP/WTS etc..)
- Data analysis (Start getting into regression, though I can see how this would be hard to examine with pen and paper and in 3 hours)
(and… leave Accounting 3+4 where it is :P)
To your mind, if paired with Math Methods 3+4, what kind of limitations/benefits would this proposal have?
What's the career progression for a math teacher? seems like stay more or less same level till retirement and what's the different in salary if there is any?
Wouldnt you prefer to teach physics instead? I didnt much like maths, not all that interesting, but I remember as a kid learning about relativity in Year 12 and it just floored me.
"I had 10 chocolate bars and I ate 9 of them. What do I have now?".
Conservation of matter…
diabetes.
Hello.
Do you think e=mc^2 is extremely obvious when you consider the units?
In SI units.
e = kilojoules (kj)
m = kilograms (kg)
c = ms^-2LHS = energy (kj)
RHS = kg * m^2 * s^-2
Now using Force = mass x acceleration (Newtons(N) = kg * m * s^-2)
RHS becomes = N * m which is Force * Distance (Work=F*D)
RHS = Work (kj)
LHS = Energy (kj)
Unit-wise LHS = RHS (ie. both kj)
Surely, this make it OBVIOUS that e=mc^2 ? [rhetorical]
Question: Have you made much use of unit-analysis such as this?
Thanks.
Remember when teachers use to say "You won't have a calculator everywhere you go." Well, we showed them.
My first posting so be easy. I think that teachers are grossly undervalued in our materialistic society. The effective teachers have enormous impact on the future of our children and our society for that matter.
Do you tutor privately?
Thanks1+1?
Hey MathNerd,
I hope you have heard of the Coupon Collecting problem!
For those who haven't … https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coupon_collector%27s_problemLets consider each coupon has a value associated with it, say k coupons "ci" with the value equal to it's index, c1 = 1, c2 = 2, … , ck = k.
What is the total expected value we get after collecting all the coupons?If we let the number of coupons k be 0 < n < 6, and we keep collecting coupons until we have the nth one.
Can we use a Sterling numbers to define a probability distribution on the total value until we collect the nth coupon?Would be really interested in your view of this slightly adjusted standard problem!
Cheers.
Um what chapter/part of the syllabus are you teaching right now?
I'm kind of interested because I think my school is going waaaaaay to fast in Specialist and Methods, and would like to know if I've got time before exams to catch up.
ThanksIn Methods I'm currently teaching Graphing Trig Functions and Solving Trig Equations.
In Specialist I just started Differentiation and Rational Functions.Which school are you at FlatEarth?
If you're not already employed by a private school, would you jump on the oppurtunity to teach in a prestigious school?
I had a fantastic physics teacher and he was poached and all I wanted to do was congratulate him. I believe great teachers deserve recognition and generous remuneration.
have u ever trained or thought about training your top students to card count, and then taking them to vegas casinos?
What are your thoughts on teaching the Tax system during high school years?
60/(42 x 0.5) + {(77/7) - (45/9)} = ?
https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=60%2F(42+x+0.5)+%2B+%7B(77%2F7)+-+(45%2F9)%7D
Hats off to teachers who are really passionate in teaching. I think we can all remember our good teachers growing up and they really do impact our growth and make a difference in our lives.
My question to you is - do you tutor in your spare time ? If not why not and would you consider it ?
Hello! I will be doing my first teaching professional experience very soon. Any tips for what you should/shouldn't do on prac?
Work the hardest you've ever worked in your life. Put your hand up to do anything and everything you are asked to do or if you hear they need someone for something like coaching a team.
People notice and you may just get a job out of it!
Do you ever wish you'd done a trade instead and earnt money whilst training and made more money later on?
Have you compared the maths taught in AU with other countries? I read news re uni students don't know the very basic maths to do most of the units due to high school maths level is set too low.
Great read
Username checks out.
Worst part of your job?
What are your thoughts on the curriculum and the fact that 99% of students will never use anything you teach them in real life?
I’d say real life is boring!
Did maths lose the plot when it started inventing imaginary numbers?
Have you ever been attracted to any of your students?
How often are you on OzBargain during school hours? ;)