Precious experiences as a TA at the Math Movement Summer Camp

I was fortunately being a Teaching Assistant (TA) at the Math Movement Summer Camp in year 2023 which was an incredible experience that taught me valuable lessons about both teaching and mathematics. In this blog post, I will share some of the key insights I gained during my time as a TA at a local Math Camp hosted at Case Western University Campus.

Building Community to Expand Educational Opportunities

At The Math Movement, we want to live in a world where everyone has the ability to develop their potential to add something beautiful to the world. And we believe that the world is what we make of it – that a group of people working together can change the separate and unequal opportunity in our society.

The primary activity is running summer camps for middle and high school students in a university setting. During the 2 month camp, we worked together with supervisors, college mentors, and high school teaching assistants, to help grades 7-12 students explore the beauty of Math. I worked with a 7th grade boy from Cleveland urban school district who was not super interested in math before. However, it is inspiring that I saw his face shined and his joy in learning math in the end of the camp.

The Importance of Patience

One of the most important qualities I developed as a TA was patience. Working with young students who were just beginning their journey into mathematics required me to be patient and understanding. I learned that everyone learns at their own pace, and it was my role to provide support and guidance without rushing or pressuring the students.

By being patient, I was able to create a positive and nurturing learning environment. I found that when students felt comfortable and supported, they were more willing to ask questions and engage in the learning process. Patience also allowed me to adapt my teaching methods to suit the individual needs of each student, ensuring that they had the best chance of understanding and enjoying mathematics.

The Power of Hands-On Learning

Another valuable lesson I learned during my time as a TA was the power of hands-on learning. The Math Movement Summer Camp emphasized interactive and experiential activities to make math more engaging and accessible to students.

Through hands-on activities, such as building geometric shapes with manipulatives or solving real-world math problems, the students were able to see the practical applications of mathematics. This approach not only helped them understand mathematical concepts better but also sparked their curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject.

As a TA, I realized that hands-on learning was not only beneficial for the students but also for myself. By actively participating in the activities alongside the students, I deepened my own understanding of mathematical concepts and discovered new ways to explain them effectively.

The Joy of Making a Difference

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of being a TA at the Math Movement Summer Camp was the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the students. Witnessing their growth and progress throughout the camp was incredibly fulfilling.

By providing guidance, encouragement, and support, I saw students who were initially unsure and hesitant become more confident and enthusiastic about mathematics. It was a joy to see their faces light up when they finally grasped a challenging concept or solved a difficult problem.

Being a TA at the Math Movement Summer Camp not only improved my own teaching skills but also reminded me of the positive impact education can have on young minds. It reinforced my passion for teaching and inspired me to continue pursuing opportunities to make a difference in the lives of students.

In conclusion, being a TA at the Math Movement Summer Camp was a transformative experience that taught me the importance of patience, the power of hands-on learning, and the joy of making a difference. It was an honor to be part of a program that nurtured young minds and instilled a love for mathematics. I am grateful for the lessons I learned and the memories I made during my time as a TA.