Exercise programs advertise with showing before and after pictures of their participants.  I have begun a different transformation process, with my attitude regarding being a teacher of math.  In the paper below I present a "snapshot" of my attitude of math before and after completing part one of my Theory of Elementary Math course.

Attitude is Everything

"It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult undertaking which, more than anything else, will determine its successful outcome."  This quotation, by William James, wonderfully describes my transformation regarding mathematics.  In the past, I enjoyed math because I viewed it as an exciting challenging.  However, over the years I had begun to dread math class because some instructors were extremely tough.  I felt like they did not try to make the class interesting, but just wanted to see how many students would suffer.  These instructors were shaping my view of math, but I knew that only I could make the final decision. 

While taking my Theory of Elementary Math course last semester, I realized that it was not the subject that was making me hate math, but my attitude regarding it.  I came to the conclusion that I needed to be more optimistic about becoming a teacher of mathematics.  It is amazing to see the changes in myself that have occurred over just the past few months.  Before that class, I was not looking forward to including math in the curriculum, but now I am considering becoming a junior high math instructor.  I want children to understand that if they have a positive attitude, then they can enjoy any subject.

I am not sure what entirely made me change my views about math, but I know some of it was having a better perspective.  A few of my instructors made math a dreadful experience, yet I know math can be thrilling if taught the right way.  I know that when I become a math teacher, I will include technology, hands-on manipulatives, and creative activities for my students to learn the material.  I want them to apply math to the real world and comprehend what they can do with that knowledge.  I may have awhile to go before I become a mathematician, but one thing I know for sure is that I love math and no one can make me think otherwise.  

*Photographs from Big Box of Art CD