They want me to teach developmental math!!!

dukefnord · Jul 31, 2012

I'd bone up on my math and comply. I'd also start putting feelers out to see what's available. Polish up your resume, contact your prior references and set up some interviews. I wouldn't drag up on one job until I had a new job lined up. Maybe a change of location or specialization is in order? You can only suffer a high amount of stress for a short time before it begins to take a toll, one way or another.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2012

med math is nothing more than elementary algebra. get the textbook and stay one or two chapters ahead of the class, and i will bet you you'll do just fine. you might even discover you're really good at explaining, because students always want to know why they have to learn this, and even if they aren't pre-nursing students you'll have plenty of examples.

eleectrosaurus · Jul 31, 2012

Do you have time to take a math class over the summer and see where your at? I feel you, both my brother and I barely scraped through our HS math, both had to take intermediate alg + physics years later as adults and we got A's it was no big deal. I think maturity ability to concentrate and conceptualize as adults made a big difference. Who knows you might do great, just be prepared well ahead of time.

nursie_nursie_415 · Aug 1, 2012

I need a calculator for everything. Good luck.

Tragically Hip · Aug 1, 2012

It's amazing how well you learn things when you teach them. After going over a few chapters in the book, is there someone you can practice on, preferably a techie-type?

If you have nursing math down cold, I don't see any reason you can't master basic algebra.

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Aug 1, 2012

Your school sucks if they'd force unwilling and unqualified faculty to teach an important class. That is bad for you and for the students. Get a new job ASAP.

damrcngrl95 · Aug 1, 2012

The nursing program I teach in is undergoing monumental change, and I only have 3 credits of nursing to teach this semester. I also have administrative responsibilities. The dept chair has asked me to deach Developmental Math (for non nursing students). I know my med math inside out, but I was just awful in math in high school and college, and this course goes through introductory algebra. They wouldn't take no for an answer, even when I told them I might have to look for a new job. I have offered to teach health, psychology, or even Developmental English. Any thoughts? I'm super stressed, and looking into employment options, but my location makes them limited.

Teaching math can be very intemidating, but it is doable. I have taught math at the middle school level. I have also taught remedial math at the college level. I would ask your boss for some prior year syllibus. When they give you a copy of the syllibus ask them if this is what they are expecting to have taught in class. It will give you an idea of their expectations.

There is a difference between knowing how to solve a math problem and explaining how to solve a math problem. I have found better ways to explain what I wanted to say through videos.

http://www.mathwarehouse.com/quadratic/solve-quadratic-equation-by-factoring.php

This website shows videos on step by step explanations and even provides worksheets that you can use. Youtube also has some wonderful videos to help teach your students. I would just always review any materials used and make sure I understood what was being taught. There are some wonderful resources that can help you get through your first semester. By then you should feel a little more comfortable with this new subject. You are always welcome to message me if you need ideas on how to present materials to your class. I do think it is very crappy of your school to demand that you teach a class that you are not comfortable with. It sets you and your students up for failure.

deAnna

Alana R. · Aug 1, 2012

Did your school accredit you to teach math? You need to have a certain number of math credits, I believe 15 to be able to teach math, otherwise your school is in violation of the schools accreditation committee regulations.

If you do have to teach math, do not stress too much about it, you will do great, it is just like any other class. Prepare for your class ahead of time, and if it is a one hour class, I would take the first 5 minutes to take the attendance, answer questions. The next 15 minutes to lecture based on the lesson, 5-10 minutes to solve a basic exercise pertaining to the lecture on the board, and the rest of the time I would have students solve certain exercises, and I would just walk around and review what they did as soon as they are done. You might end up liking to teach math :), I really think it is fun and easy. Good-luck!!!

damrcngrl95 · Aug 1, 2012

Alana, the Jr. College that I worked for didn't require a certain number of classes to teach a remedial math. The remedial classes are treated different than regular college classes. I had taken college calculus and that was good enough to allow me to teach any remedial math. I was not allowed to teach college algebra. I think it's because you don't receive any credits toward a degree with the remedial classes. I had a major in Science and elementary education.

bookwormom · Aug 2, 2012

Thanks for the encouraging words!! It is possible that the (higher)powers that be will not let me teach math--I hope it turns out that way. The position usually requires a masters degree in math or math education. The problem is, from my perspective, that developmental math is a very highly structured 4 credit course which goes at a fast pace. I would only have two weeks to prepare. The emphasis is on moving initially weak students to a higher level of algebra than has been the case in past years. I have sat in on some of the instructors' classes in the past and I can say that they are absolutely phenomenal. They tune into every student, and they tie in the math theory with every explanation. I don't think I could develop that level of skill in two weeks. I'm looking into some other options. In retrospect, I think part of my concern is the pressure that was put on me to accept this course. In my own experience, you are more likely to get a positive response if you ask respectfully than if you push - push - push.