“Why do students learn math?” and Why this Question is Important

I am at the point in my teaching career that I am asking bigger questions. A very important one is “Why do students learn math?” The answer to this question will drive how math is taught.

If math classes are to prepare students to get into college and then the major of their choice, then the focus of my teaching should be on helping students to understand and do mathematics correctly. Sample questions from the ACT and SAT should be integrated with the curriculum so students get used to answering these kinds of questions. Encouraging students to take as much math as possible in high school will also prepare them to be successful in college.

If students learn math to practice problem solving and to use math in their lives, then I will use a constructivist hands on approach. As much math as possible would be in a real context and students would frequently grapple with real word problems that involve the mathematics in the standards.

My fear is that the answer is both of these. In which case, sadly, my teaching will continue as a focus-less mastery of topics. I hope that there is a more specific answer. And something that I can adjust my teaching to and help my students achieve something. This will be a question that I will be addressing over several blog posts.