Involving Adults in the Learning of Mathematics

Abstract

Preparing adults for the mathematics skills necessary for the twenty first century is a challenge. It is especially challenging if those adults have had past traumatic experiences learning mathematics. Involving students in the learning process involves more than the presentation of mathematical concepts by the teacher and the simple regurgitation of rote memorization by the students. It requires a concerted effort by both the teacher and the student. The teacher must present mathematical concepts that are inclusionary, challenging, in an environment created for learning, in class settings that are technologically advanced, and geared to the student's level. The student must assimilate the information through cooperative learning exercises and writing assignments, which incorporate the learning objectives of the current class and the ideas learned in previous classes.