Patience and mathematical calculations
The impact of a teacher on a student, for the most part, overlooked. Most people are quick to point out that the student made a choice to transmute into whatever achievement they desired to become while paying very little attention to the fact that the teacher may have done a lot more than just encouraging a student to push through. A teacher reinforces the concept of ‘do and repeat’ on the student, which is essentially the art of practice. Herein, I explain how, in 6th grade, my Arithmetic teacher, Mrs. Greendale, made an impact in my life by helping develop one virtue and one skill. The virtue of patience while calculating mathematical concepts which I have used in other areas of my life and the skill of practice which I otherwise call ‘do and repeat.’
Patience and mathematical calculations
My story dates back in 6th grade and how I hated arithmetic. For me, numbers have always confused me, and unfortunately, arithmetic became one of the first subjects that would endure the pain of my stubbornness of refusing to count. While I cannot say I was very poor in arithmetic, I have to say that I was hasty, and little small mishaps calculations would lead me to the wrong answers, always. Research says that one trait that makes a teacher the best in what they do as a mentor is their ability to make decisions and partnerships. In other words, teachers are more motivated leaders in helping students make decisions by forming relationship bonds. Mrs. Greendale was the perfect mentor for helping me to decide to be patient while practicing arithmetic. She would teach me and let me do only two sums with me every day. With only two sums, she said, I would always remember the other one in case I felt lazy, cramming up my headspace.
The skill of involvement makes teachers coaches who, through a mediating role, help students in comprehension and proficiency. I had never thought of having a practice timetable; however, Mrs. Greendale help me make one. She did not sit me down one fine morning and asked me over and over, every day to make my timetable. Every day after out two-sum practice, she would tell me, ‘you know there is television time, and there is arithmetic practice time. You can’t merge the two Champ’. It took me two weeks to decipher that I needed to create time and make a timetable. One that I would dedicate to arithmetic practice to, alone. Having a timetable ensured that no matter how busy my day was, I would never give an excuse that I was too busy to practice maths.
The results after the school term was not a 100% grade. However, I had improved with five marks from my last score. What was more surprising is that I developed a passion for counting and subtracting figures so much I would help my mother count her daily sales from our bakery. I think that the day I realized and swore on myself that I truly loved arithmetic is the day that I knew Mrs. Greendale’s like the most significant impact in my life. Teachers are natural heroes, and their impact on our lives is understandably precious. Proudly, Mrs. Greendale is my hero.