Change in Mathophobia...

     So it has been quite awhile since my last post.  My first blog was about mathophobia and how I felt about math.  Since then, I am proud to say my feelings about math have changed in a positive way.  I do not despise this subject anymore.  At first, I didn't even want to give it a chance.  I kept putting off the course until the very end.  Now here I am, admitting that I do not mind learning and doing math.  I know I am not the best at it, but I have come a long way.  I am now open to new concepts.  I have learned and refreshed my memory in different areas that we covered in the course this semester.  

     At one point, I thought it was funny that we were going to be adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions.  It came to my surprise that I didn't remember how to do problems so well.  The past few years I have been using a calculator.  I did all of my operations through the use of a calculator.  It made me become rusty.  Now, I can do operations by hand and I find it much easier.  I have been doing better on the quizzes and take home assignments.  My test grades are not the greatest but they aren't terrible.  My average in test grades seems to stay in the 60's.  It's as if I am close to doing well but seem to be on the border line.  Yes it annoys me, but I always try my best.  My mathophobia on tests seems to have changed as well.  I don't worry so much anymore.  I spend time studying and looking over my notes and doing practice problems that are given to us in class.  I always do the test corrections and I find it very beneficial.  I like the fact that out teacher allows us to do them because instead of just looking at the grade, I actually spend the time to go back and correct errors.  Some errors I notice are silly and careless.  Other errors I learn from and can acquire a better understanding of the material. 

      I just don't mind math anymore and it is a good feeling.  I never realized in how many ways math can be used.  Math is used in everyday life.  I could be out shopping and see that a clothing item is 30% off.  Many people don't know how to compute that and it is good to know.  I am glad the course is as it is.  The material covered is important and can be applied to everyday life.  There are going to be instances where children ask questions and I need to be able to answer them.  I am going to be a teacher one day and to say "I don't know to a child" isn't the best thing to say.