Timed Writing & Reflection

Two of My Most Memorable Math Teachers

1. Mr. Chen

He was the most strict math teacher ever. He was extremely enthusiastic in teaching math. He knew his stuff very well that he never failed to asnwer any math problems. He had a set of rules, during his lecture, to prevent any interruption of his lectures. He made sure that we learn our math by going through numerous exercises and problems. He looked mean and fierce, but he also cared for the health of students. Most surprisingly, he was excellent in chinese literature. He used and wrote my Chinese name into two meaningful phrases, and that was what made him the most memorable math teacher I ever had.

2. Mr. Cheng

Unlike Mr. Chen, He did everything quite the opposite way. He is not strict at all. In fact, he almost appeared as if he did not care whether we intended to learn. He allowed students to develop on their own. He had his unique way of helping students to further develop their mathematics, which was later referred as Chengnism. He also encouraged mathematical activities for the students who are truly interested in math.

Reflection:

Both teachers, with different perspectives, were able to pass on knowledge sucessfully. They actually imposed different means of teaching and understanding, although one may not be as discrete as the other one. However, I would not use their teaching as my referrence, but rather, as the how-not-to guidance. Forcing down knowledge on students was outdated, and giving too much free space for development was only able to target certain amount of students. However, their intentions were great. Definitely, I would learn from Chen's enthusiasm and Cheng's indiscreteness along with my idea of teaching, which would be to make students feel as if they were not taking math courses at all and at the same time, to learn all there is needed in class and in their daily life.