THE TEACHER MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!

"Quality teaching" is a phrase that is frequently quoted in current educational circles.  As parents I am sure you are interested to know just how your child's teacher approaches the task of introducing a new mathematical concept to your child, or how your child copes when he or she is challenged by an unfamiliar or more demanding mathematical task.

It is reassuring to remember that teachers are teachers because they love children, teaching and learning. The profession is not for everyone! It is demanding, constantly changing, and sometimes frustrating. But it also provides joy, great satisfaction and constant surprises. It is humbling, because children often stop you in your tracks with their insight and frankness.

Schools are not enclosed in bubbles, apart from the real world. Technology is a part of your child's life and he/she is using technology, learning from it and adapting to it every day. Most schools have interactive whiteboards in classrooms. These are a normal part of most children's school day. The presence of computers, laptops, I Pads and assorted technology is part and parcel of a modern classroom. Teachers have had to  rapidly develop their knowledge and ability to utilise technology effectively in the classroom. This is happening all the time. As a teacher, it is exciting and remarkable to have the world at your fingertips in the classroom. To be able to instantly reference a point and have access to real time data and information on any topic, in colour, is amazing. Today's children take this for granted because they were born into it. They expect it and they respond to it.

Do you feel a "however" coming on??

Your child's relationship with their teacher is one they will never have with a computer. A memory chip does not know what Quality Teaching is or what it means. A true teacher will always be capable of communicating, explaining, re-stating, guiding and editing the work your child is tackling. Quality teaching is based on deep knowledge, deep understanding, problematic knowledge, higher order thinking, metalanguage and substantive communication. You may or may not be familiar with these terms, but to NSW teachers they are familiar friends. Children respond best to teachers who know them, know about them and care about them. It is therefore a dilemma to consider the worth of computer based learning programs in the context of the day to day lives of our children.

Can a child benefit more from a program of electronically delivered mathematics lessons, than from a hands on, individualised program designed by a teacher who knows exactly "where" your child is, on their mathematical journey? Yes, the "bells and whistles" are great fun, the child is occupied and not taking up anyone's time, and you can see a score. But are they really learning anything?

I ask you to consider this and take a few moments to log on to the link below. It is an interesting article from the Sydney Morning Herald, concerning Mathletics. Mathletics is a popular and well patronised, commercially available teaching tool. Some schools have invested in a licence to run this as an in school program.

Should your child be taught maths by a computer? Will your child remember "ACER" (with InteL) fondly, as the teacher who

took the time to explain, laugh, encourage and guide? I think not. Terranora Public School has teachers for the teaching, and computers as a wonderful resource. 

Go to  http://www.smh.com.au/national/-lit5s.html     Your opinion is welcomed!

Rhonda Kerr.