Teacher Interview: Mrs. Mau
We interviewed Mrs. Mau, the 6th grade STEM Math teacher. Mrs. Mau has been teaching STEM for two years. Here is what she told us.
Q: How did you make an impact on STEM?
A: What STEM does is that it takes the math problems that we work on and it makes it real. When you take numbers and apply to situations, for instance, we are working on space math. Numbers that we are working on are relating to the space math, the Curiosity rover, NASA satellites, and so forth. Numbers aren't just numbers, they have meaning. My students now have a deeper understanding to the numbers...meaning.
Q: Why did you want to teach STEM?
A: I like teaching through PBLs and I like the subjects combined. I love how the projects and the subjects relate.
Q: What is the difference between STEM students and General ED students?
A: I think that STEM students enjoy the teaching and education more. They are thinking deeply and the subjects are easier for me to teach and for them to learn. They also use the technology to solve their problems.
Q: How does STEM impact you?
A: It changed my entire way of teaching. I give them problems that are occurring in real life, and see what they do to solve it. I teach that math isn't just numbers on a page.
Q: What would you change about STEM?
A: I would change the schedule and planning. Giving engineering more time and giving it what it needs is an example. But, other there than that, it's the best it could be.
Q: Do you have any kids, and if so do you want them to be in STEM?
A: Yes, I have a kid who just graduated. I would have wanted him to be in STEM.
Q: How is 6th grade STEM different from 7th grade?
A: Last year was my first year with STEM. The scheduling was different then. The PBLs were different due to different projects and partners. The problem is that we need to just sit down and plan. 6th grade STEM is more about water and astronomy, whereas 7th grade STEM is more about zoo animals and medicine.
Q: What would you be if you weren't a teacher?
A: I wanted to be a teacher for a long time. But, I sometimes think about how I was taught when I first started teaching. I was taught to give the problems and solve it, but STEM is more hands on. I would have joined STEM, but I didn't have that opportunity.
Q: What did you want to be when you were younger and has STEM impacted your decision?
A: I was looking at accounting and I have always enjoyed frenzies so I would have enjoyed analyzing a crime scene.
Q: How are you impacting the next generation?
A: I think I am impacting the next generation by helping my students really think and try to take data and put it in real life scenarios. I also help them by getting them to work together, find solutions, and not to give up. Finally, I help my students problem solve in many different ways. I am always thinking about how can I make things better in their lives.
Q: How did you make an impact on STEM?
A: What STEM does is that it takes the math problems that we work on and it makes it real. When you take numbers and apply to situations, for instance, we are working on space math. Numbers that we are working on are relating to the space math, the Curiosity rover, NASA satellites, and so forth. Numbers aren't just numbers, they have meaning. My students now have a deeper understanding to the numbers...meaning.
Q: Why did you want to teach STEM?
A: I like teaching through PBLs and I like the subjects combined. I love how the projects and the subjects relate.
Q: What is the difference between STEM students and General ED students?
A: I think that STEM students enjoy the teaching and education more. They are thinking deeply and the subjects are easier for me to teach and for them to learn. They also use the technology to solve their problems.
Q: How does STEM impact you?
A: It changed my entire way of teaching. I give them problems that are occurring in real life, and see what they do to solve it. I teach that math isn't just numbers on a page.
Q: What would you change about STEM?
A: I would change the schedule and planning. Giving engineering more time and giving it what it needs is an example. But, other there than that, it's the best it could be.
Q: Do you have any kids, and if so do you want them to be in STEM?
A: Yes, I have a kid who just graduated. I would have wanted him to be in STEM.
Q: How is 6th grade STEM different from 7th grade?
A: Last year was my first year with STEM. The scheduling was different then. The PBLs were different due to different projects and partners. The problem is that we need to just sit down and plan. 6th grade STEM is more about water and astronomy, whereas 7th grade STEM is more about zoo animals and medicine.
Q: What would you be if you weren't a teacher?
A: I wanted to be a teacher for a long time. But, I sometimes think about how I was taught when I first started teaching. I was taught to give the problems and solve it, but STEM is more hands on. I would have joined STEM, but I didn't have that opportunity.
Q: What did you want to be when you were younger and has STEM impacted your decision?
A: I was looking at accounting and I have always enjoyed frenzies so I would have enjoyed analyzing a crime scene.
Q: How are you impacting the next generation?
A: I think I am impacting the next generation by helping my students really think and try to take data and put it in real life scenarios. I also help them by getting them to work together, find solutions, and not to give up. Finally, I help my students problem solve in many different ways. I am always thinking about how can I make things better in their lives.