Math... it is the universal language. Movie after movie depicts that math will be what bridges communications with ETs if/when that day comes.
Math is vital, the foundation for numerous jobs: computers/technology, physics, engineering, accounting, finance, banking, etc. There are undeniable connections to math in the areas of the arts as well. Even social sciences can't escape math if only to consider statistics.
So, this begs the question, "Why do so many of our youth struggle with math?" And, secondly, "What can we do about it?"
The following are my personal opinions; I've not conducted a single scientific study.
From very early ages, we expose our kids to the dreaded worksheet full of abstract numbers and symbols without first a solid grasp on what those symbols mean. Visual or physical representations of mathematical concepts are a much better vehicle to understanding. So, too, is a reason for learning it. Newton invented Calculus to explain physical phenomena.
My challenge to math teachers is two-fold: let them "see" it and give them the connection on why it matters. If you can't do that, then you need to either question the curriculum or need to find the connection for yourself.
[Disclaimer .. I know there are pressures due to certain national/state standards. My challenge is to find a way to teach it that really connects with kids.]
Often kids don't have a firm enough grasp of what numbers even are before they start addition. This understanding of number is why my son is finding learning arithmetic so easy (so far). Personally, I think learning arithmetic especially should be delayed until we are sure that everyone learning it has a strong number sense.
ReplyDeleteAs for the connections, I strongly agree. It may be that the connections are to games, or puzzles, or to something else equally abstract in nature, but at least students will have some sense that the math is connected to something.