CHAPTER 29: Psychology in Teaching Mathematics

Numerous reputable psychologies are provided to assist mathematics teachers in guiding students to achieve optimally. The teacher of mathematics should study the diverse psychologies of education to implement the best teaching strategy possible. The lay public focuses on student achievement in the three Rs or the basics. Mathematics represents a highly salient basic. Students need to do well in mathematics to do well in school and in society. Teachers need to select objectives, learning opportunities, and appraisal procedures that assist learners to achieve as well as is possible.

Precise, measurably stated objectives and their use is the heart of behaviorism. Objectives are selected prior to being implemented in the classroom. Generally, no student participation has been emphasized in selecting these goals. Behaviorism can be emphasized with state-mandated objectives in terms of core competencies and key skills. At the state level, precise measurably stated objectives have been chosen. The department of education of each state selects a cross section of educators to agree upon the stated ends. The mathematics teacher then plans learning opportunities to help students attain each objective.