I think people misunderstand how math is taught. Some people are good at math and they've done math this way for some time, so they assume it was taught this way the entire time. In reality, they simply developed these more efficient systems on their own, and the new method attempts to teach these systems to everyone.

Take that "old math" vs "new math" picture that has already been posted in this thread. That makes it seem like it is cumbersome and inefficient, when in reality, those steps are shown to drive home the concept. Once it is understood, the new way is more efficient and quicker than the old way, especially as the math increases in difficulty.

Teachers may spend more time on addition and subtraction, and ignorant parents may bitch, but the goal is to have more students understanding calculus and other advanced math concepts in the long run.

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Posted by Dr. Shultz

Baton Rouge, La

Member since Jun 2013

6391 posts

Posted on 11/24/14 at 8:59 am to SlowFlowPro

When I used to be in high school and did multiplying in my head that's how I would do it. I don't think its a necessary thing that needs to be learned though. Old math worked just fine

You should see how the Chinese multiply shite. Just a whole
Bunch of lines lol

This post was edited on 11/24/14 at 9:00 am

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Posted by TeddyPadillac

Member since Dec 2010

25585 posts

Posted on 11/24/14 at 9:04 am to DrSteveBrule

quote:
It's about understanding what operations are taking place rather than remember a generic image of what is supposed to happen

who gives a shite.
it's multiplication. It is what it is.
4x8 is 32. You don't need to explain to me why it is or how i got it. That's what it is.

I remember in calculus first learning about limits, and it was a little confusing and didn't make sense. Then we start taking derivatives and intergrals and learn the limit crap was to show us how derivatives and integrals work. As if i care about that. the derivative of 2xsquared is 4x. that's what it is. I don't need to understand the derivation of how i got it b/c i will never need to know that to solve a problem ever.

Being able to derive the first law of thermodynamics, important to know.
Being able to derive multiplication, not important.

There's isn't just one way to teach something. I have a great memory and a visual mind. Regardless of which method would be taught to me, it would be easy to me. Those that aren't smart in math, this doens't make it easier for them. The same kids that made A's 20 years ago would make A's now, and the same kids making C's would make C's. If a kid has trouble with 4x4 and remembering to carry the 2, then what makes you think he knows what 20x40 is off the top of his head.

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Posted by Karnac

Colorado

Member since Aug 2010

278 posts

Posted on 11/24/14 at 12:13 pm to LakeviewYakker

quote:
I think common core is basically folks just changing the system to pat themselves on the back to say they changed the system. Ever notice that when a new manager comes on board at your employer and the first thing they want to do is make a mark for themselves? change some minor thing so they can justify to the higher ups their value to the company.

This exactly.

This post was edited on 12/2/15 at 1:42 am

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