Initially
I believe the teaching of mathematics is merely about solving mathematical
problems, not relevant to the history and philosophy of mathematics. However,
after discussing with my group-mates and listening to the comments from other
groups, I was mentally struck that it would be helpful to include the history
and philosophy of mathematics in the teaching and to introduce some confusion
in mathematical problems to help students learn mathematics. Mathematics does
not come from nothing and the history and philosophy of mathematics can increase
students’ motivation to learn mathematics. Stories behind some mathematical
theories can give students an idea about the human side of mathematical
knowledge, e.g., the bathing story about Archimedes’ Principle and this can engage
students in learning mathematics as they know mathematics is not so abstract
and its concepts can be developed from people’s daily lives. I also originally think
teachers should not confuse students because this would discourage students to
learn mathematics. However, as mentioned by one of my classmates, when a
manageable amount of confusion is included in the mathematical problems,
students can be induced to think deeply about the problems and this helps them develop
their logical thinking in solving mathematical problems. I think this is a good
way to train students how to handle problems they have never seen before.
Therefore, when I become a mathematics teacher, I should include the history of
mathematics in my teaching and introduce some confusion in the problem solving.
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