The Art of Mathematics: Incorporating Fine Arts into the Secondary Math Classroom

Submission Type

Event

Expected Graduation Date

2014

Location

Ames Library, Illinois Wesleyan University

Start Date

4-11-2014 5:00 PM

End Date

4-11-2014 6:00 PM

Disciplines

Education | Teacher Education and Professional Development

Abstract

In the high school mathematics classroom, students appear apathetic toward a topic they view as rigid. Students rarely view math as a subject for expressing creativity or exploring the world around them. Teachers who include more artistic and creative lessons are finding that their students’ interest in math increases and their academic progress follows (Khan 2010). In this qualitative self-study of student teaching, I explored how to integrate fine arts within math lessons. Based upon student feedback, field notes, and research, I found the fine art activities connected to math instruction improved student interest and engagement with the lessons. While the critique of this type of integration is that it may interfere with skill development, I found fine arts may motivate students to learn new math skills.

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Apr 11th, 5:00 PM Apr 11th, 6:00 PM

The Art of Mathematics: Incorporating Fine Arts into the Secondary Math Classroom

Ames Library, Illinois Wesleyan University

In the high school mathematics classroom, students appear apathetic toward a topic they view as rigid. Students rarely view math as a subject for expressing creativity or exploring the world around them. Teachers who include more artistic and creative lessons are finding that their students’ interest in math increases and their academic progress follows (Khan 2010). In this qualitative self-study of student teaching, I explored how to integrate fine arts within math lessons. Based upon student feedback, field notes, and research, I found the fine art activities connected to math instruction improved student interest and engagement with the lessons. While the critique of this type of integration is that it may interfere with skill development, I found fine arts may motivate students to learn new math skills.