Introduction: SCED 4200

I am Elizabeth Phillips, better known as Liz, and I am a student here at Utah State. I am majoring in mathematics education with a statistics and German minor. I never knew studying math and stats would lead to so much writing. But taking Education 4200 and a proofs class at the same time, well let’s just say I will get my fill this semester. I am thrilled for the opportunity to expand my abilities. Blogging is also something brand new to me, as is most technology. My family is into books and sports, so there was never time or interest put into video games, or the computer. One of my favorite past times is reading a good book. I love all kinds of books: history, poetry, fiction, romance, etc.

I grew up in Boise, Idaho but was actually born here in Logan as my parents attended Utah State. I am a fifth generation Aggie, so I could not have dreamed of being anywhere else. I even live on the same street that my parents did when I was born. I studied for three years and then took a year and a half break to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Switzerland and Germany. It was there that I learned German, and decided as I returned to also minor in German. Being in Switzerland also gave me an opportuntiy to fulfill my lifetime dream of hikking in the Alps. I love hiking, and truly nothing was as beautiful as the Swiss Alps, and their cow filled pastures.

As for math, so many ask how I came to choose that major. My mom was a math teacher when I was younger, and not only did she enjoy it, but as a mother it was a very logical career choice. My freshman year of college I took a trigonometry class, and loved it so much I decided I wanted to do something with Math. My true desire is to one day be a stay at home mom, so I wanted a future job that would allow me as much time with my children. I sought my mother’s council, and it was she who suggested I look into math education. The more math classes I took, the more right it felt. I have had many opportunities to help tutor people over the years and I love teaching. The more I learn about this major, the more I get so excited to actually get out in the field and begin.

Math to me is an art, a logical art. I love that either an answer is right or wrong. Math problems are like a puzzle, that you know will always have an answer… even if the answer is that a problem does not exist. There is always a conclusion to be drawn. As I have gotten into the higher level math classes, I have had to use creative skills I did not know I possessed. There are problems that can be solved a number of ways, and trying to find the most efficient way is somewhat of a game. Literacy is also a part of Math, according to my understanding and definition of literacy. I view literacy as the ability to apply a knowledge gained. Math literacy to me is being able to solve problems using equations one has learned. It is more than just being able to plug in an equation, but also understanding the workings behind why that equation is used in that particular instance and what we can read and learn from it. I am excited for this class, and to better my skills as a future teacher.