Core Competency Reflection
This semester I think that something I did well was using vocabulary and terminology to answer questions in both tests, and assignments. Using vocabulary helped me understand concepts and use my words to explain them effectively. This was helpful for me due to the fact that I learn concepts better when I can use terms or vocabulary to help me get a better idea of it, even if I’m not the best at solving the questions in that specific unit. Fully understanding the terms and concepts I was taught helped me understand and connect concepts I actually understood together in a way where I could express my learning effectively. Knowing the vocabulary was also more efficient for me because if I was struggling to solve a question, I could connect it to the terms I had used and it occasionally helped guide me on where to start or finish with certain questions. For example, using terms and vocabulary also made it easy for me to memorize formulas which help when solving questions in a variety of units.
Another thing that went well for me this semester was working collaboratively alongside others. In this course we did a lot of group work where we would solve questions together and communicate with each other so that everyone understood what was happening. I think group work was very helpful for me because if I didn’t understand something I could ask my peers and they could help me out. Group work was also beneficial because one of my group members could bring up something they use that helps them and it caused the rest of us to think about it and it could help us all. During group work it was also nice to see how others use techniques they have to solve questions and use them as well which broadens my own knowledge on how to answer certain questions as well as tech us new techniques we could potentially use in the future. In the beginning of the course we had to work in groups with people we didn’t really know so it was important to have effective communication to make sure everyone was on the same page and was following along with what was being done. I feel that those skills were transferred over when we got to pick our own groups due to the fact that my group was really good at making sure everyone was on the right track and even supported each other by offering assistance when anyone needed it, and helping each other when we were either struggling or doing a question wrong.
Next I want to reflect on how I was able to treat both myself and others with respect. This kind of builds off of the communication point I had made when talking about communication within group work as well. Within our group whenever a mistake was made, nobody was ever rude or mean to the person who made it. Mistakes occur in math and many other subjects as well, so it is important to be respectful and kind when correcting someone or helping them solve a mistake they made in the equation, question, formula etc. Lastly, this semester I learned a lot about growth in my life. I found out both areas I’ve grown in, as well as areas I want to see growth in, and I can act on them or create a plan accordingly.
Advice for Future Students
My biggest piece of advice for future students in math would be to not let work pile up. It’s really easy for you to fall behind and miss certain units or not understand them but once you are behind it’s easier to let it continue rather than put in the extra effort and get back on track. Other pieces of advice would be to 1) do the assigned workbook questions on time, 2) don’t be afraid to ask for help whenever you find yourself struggling with concepts, 3) pay attention to vocabulary just as much as solving because it can help with questions, 4) Make sure that you use class time effectively to give you more time to study and prevent you from falling behind.