Why study mathematics?
I always saw mathematics as an important subject at school, but my performance at grammar school was never particularly good. I later decided to study mathematics anyway because I was attracted by the challenge. I have never regretted this decision. During my studies, I got to know what mathematics really means. In addition to basic mathematical structures and content, you learn abstract and logical thinking, how to make connections, how to work and argue precisely and, finally, how to persevere and overcome your own limitations. For this reason, I would describe studying mathematics as a universal course of study and can recommend it to anyone who wants to acquire not only knowledge but also skills that will last a lifetime.
How can you imagine studying mathematics?
The great thing about studying mathematics is that it starts - as they say - with Adam and Eve. At the beginning, the basic foundation on which mathematics is built is laid. Here you will find answers to questions such as "Where do our numbers come from and what are they?", "Why do we have the laws of arithmetic that you already know?" and "Why does mathematics work the way it does or could it be different?". They start from scratch, but at a brisk pace and at an unusually high level of abstraction. Independent work and personal responsibility are required, which makes the course very demanding overall. As a lone fighter, it is rather difficult. A study group, on the other hand, promotes the gain of knowledge immensely and you can share both the work and the worries. Ultimately, diligence and hard work will be decisive (this also applies to geniuses).
Why study to become a teacher?
The difference to studying "pure" mathematics lies primarily in the wealth of material. This also means that they rarely attend mathematics courses that are only intended for the teaching profession, because the course consists mainly of the usual mathematics lectures, which they also attend together with mathematicians. Ultimately, it is therefore a misconception that prospective teachers are only prepared for the school curriculum. Which brings us to a very controversial advantage of the course: The degree course will make school mathematics seem so trivial to you in large parts that your familiarization with the subject matter in the teaching profession will be reduced to a minimum. On the other hand, this depth of material and a lack of proximity to school practice is often criticized. Based on my experience from the school internship semester, I agree with the former, because in new subjects such as IMP (computer science, mathematics, physics) with content such as logic, programming and reasoning, extensive training is an advantage. Otherwise, the decision to become a teacher is a deeply personal one. For me, the teaching profession is an extremely idealistic task in which we can have a direct influence on the development of children and young people by accompanying them, supporting them and teaching them values so that together we can look forward to a future worth living. Perhaps we will be able to pass on the fascination that mathematics arouses in us and make the benefits of this intellectual craft tangible.
Elias Tron B.A.
Award winner for outstanding B.Sc. degree Teaching Mathematics in the Department of
Mathematics 2024