Maths Study- Open Polytechnic

This is a recording space for my Certificate in Mathematics Teaching (Primary) through the Open Polytechnic

PEM 701- Mathematics Behind Number and Algebra
Learning Journal

Module 1- Being a Student of Mathematics

TASK: THINKING ABOUT MATHEMATICS

1. What does a person working in the Mathematics field do and what jobs might they work in?

Mathematics interacts with other disciplines- makes huge contributions to science, medicine and commerce, as well as technology, communications, linguistics and genetics.

There is a huge variety of jobs involving the knowledge and use of mathematics. Some of these include;

Finance and insurance brokers, systems analyst, air traffic controller, meteorologist, operations researcher, market researcher, mathematical biophysisist, stockbroker, biologist, geologist, and the list goes on and on.

2. How does the field of number and algebra differ from statistics or geometry?

Algebra and number underpin almost all areas of mathematics and are not stand alone fields. Statistics is the critical analysis of numerical information.

What are some of the different areas of maths? What makes them different? What makes them all similar?

Some of the different areas are algebra, statistics & probability, problem solving, number- addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals etc.

What makes them different is their contexts and how they are used. For example geometry is based on shapes, statistics is based on groups of numbers, and algebra is based on patterns and relationships. What makes them all similar is they are all underpinned and interconnected by number knowledge and theories.

What do you think are some of the distinguishing features of doing number and algebra in the twenty-first century?

I think that knowledge in number and algebra are going to be increasingly important in the future careers of our current students. Number and algebra promote critical thinking and problem solving skills- essential skills as we head into an uncertain future. Careers based around economy and technology will also require number and algebra skills.

3. Recent research has shown that generating genuine curiosity about a topic changes the way the brain works in learning new concepts and skills. This Science Daily article suggests in the classroom or workplace that learning ‘boring’ material could be enhanced if opportunities to be curious are provided. As you explore the following chapters, where do you see links to other interesting or curious ideas that might assist your learning? Do you see links to history, other cultures, technology or hands-on science? How could you make a topic more interesting yourself?