EDU431

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METHODS OF TEACHING MATHEMATICS AND
SCIENCE IN THE PRIMARY/JUNIOR GRADES

Required reading B: Analysis and Reflection.

Title: The Mathematics and Science Integration Argument: A Stand for Teacher Education.

CITATION: Joseph M. Furner and David D. Kumar. The Mathematics and Science
Integration Argument: A Stand for Teacher Education. (2007, January 24).

ABSTRACT:

Integrating science and mathematics

methods courses may be a way in improving
science education, as science, particularly
physical science involves mathematics and
both subjects involve process skills.
Furner and Kumar explore the question,
should mathematics and science be
integrated in reforming science education?
Student success depends on the degree to
which math and science are integrated in
order to motivate and engage students in
meaningful learning. Studies conducted have
shown an increase in student performance
with technology helping in integrating math
and science.

ANALYSIS/REFLECTION:

It is important to understand how math, science,
and technology are dominating in schools. When
wanting to integrate science and math, teachers
must account for considerations and
recommendations. There are multiple ways of
how to integrate these 2 subjects. Some ways
include the following: base integration on
students experiences, use instructional strategies
(motivate), be perceptive to what students
believe and their ideas, find an overlap in the
content of the 2 subjects, and provide a deeper
knowledge of the subject matter.

In my opinion, if teachers are not comfortable
with the integration of subjects then they should
not be creating lesson plans based on it, since it
will be ineffective. Thus, the confidence level of
teachers needs to be addressed, as well as their
knowledge, and the schools availability of
resources. The article mentions that if schools
do more in terms of integrating mathematics and
the sciences they may impact the lives of their
students forever. Teachers are the ones who
help students succeed. Therefore, teachers
should have the knowledge of how students learn
science and mathematics and how to best teach
them effectively.

With experience in the classroom (through
volunteering and placement), I have witnessed
how math has been considered to be a more
important subject to teach the students. For
example, if a classroom routine needs to be
adjusted because of an assembly, teachers will
make time for math even if science or art was
supposed to be taught at that specific time. I have
noticed how some teachers will make sure to

teach math everyday but leave out other

subjects. With this said, I feel that the integration
of math and science would be beneficial for these
reasons. Students will be exposed to concepts
and opportunities that engage multiple learning
objectives.