It’s All About Perspective

Both pictures below represent my daughter's Flat Stanley hanging out in the tulips.  However, when you look at them, the perspective is slightly different.

When you look at a math problem, do you see something different than your friend?

One of the beauties of mathematics is that there are multiple ways to solve problems.  I really encourage our pre-service teachers to make their students aware of multiple methods as all students are unique and think differently.   Not only should teachers embrace multiple ways, they should demonstrate multiple ways.

A couple of weeks ago in my Geometry for Teachers course, we were doing a proof in class during discussion.  When I assign ‘discussion’ problems for my students, this means that they need to solve them on their own and be prepared to present their solution to the class.  One student volunteered his solution and as I was observing I noticed that his proof was different than mine.  His proof was completely correct and had all the essential elements.  After he finished, I said that I had done it a different way and we discussed my proof briefly.  Then another student chimed in, “Can’t you do it this way?” She proceeded to explain her proof.  Each of our proofs were slightly different, but they were all correct.  This is a great example of the richness of mathematics and discussing multiple solution methods—everyone learns from each other and sees a different perspective.

This idea of viewing things from another person’s perspective goes beyond mathematics—it needs to be done in culture, politics, religion, economics . . .  

Rather than condemning someone for their method or their viewpoint--WATCH and LISTEN.  You might learn something!