I interviewed Ms. Hoff a 7th grade math and science teacher at Murray Middle School. This is Ms. Hoff’s seventh year teaching at Murray Middle, and her first year teaching math. Ms. Hoff received a bachelors of science in elementary education and middle school math, science and social studies. I asked Ms. Hoff if I could interview her because I am a middle school math teacher and I was interested in brainstorming as well as getting another middle school math teacher’s perspective.
Murray Middle school is one of the largest middle schools in New Hanover County. Every classroom has internet access and a two to one student to computer ratio. The number one goal on the State Board of Education Goals is that NC schools will produce globally competitive students. Murray Middles School’s mission statement includes reference to students being prepared for a technological and global society, but their Vision Statement while mentioning 21st Century skills, does not specifically address a global perspective.
Ms. Hoff is actively pursuing ways to integrate global issues and references in her math and science class. Ms. Hoff emphasized how important her team teacher- who has lived and taught outside of the US, and teaches language arts and social studies- has been in helping to promote a global perspective in the classroom. A good example of how Ms. Hoff integrates math and social studies is her math lesson on simple interest formulas that included a short talk about the concept of interest being against the Islamic religion because she knew they were studying the Middle East in social studies. Ms. Hoff also talked about using CIA world statistics for units on graphing and data analysis.
Ms. Hoff feels that students are much more engaged when the numbers are meaningful, especially new information by which students are intrigued. She also feels that the connection being made between subjects is helpful for developing a well-rounded world view. Math is after all, the study of patterns.
Ms. Hoff expressed frustration about the amount of time necessary to do this kind of integration well. Statistical data is constantly changing, so lessons must be updated. Finding credible resources that can be accessed at school is another issue. And there is always the EOG looming which does not leave spare time in the school day to spend on areas of interest. Ms. Hoff’s advice to new teachers is to travel and take courses that will help you to learn about the world and make international connections.
I think that integrating subjects is a big key to successfully incorporating information and experiences that reflect a global outlook. Crunching numbers in math can be much more interesting and meaningful when those numbers are telling a story about populations, current events or disease. Instead of problems about John and Mary buying candy bars we can use problems about Urbi and Sisi walking to their water source. Although it is time consuming to come up with current statistical or political data, I know we all agree that it is now a necessary part of education.