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Re: Learning and Mathematics: Hiebert & Wearne, Teaching
Posted:
Feb 16, 1996 11:00 AM
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Kristin,
Below you say,"in the age of computers, rote memory is of less and less
importance."
I am not sure that I can agree with you on this statement. The simple
operation of the machine requires much rote memory, unless everyone is
expected to become a "compSci" major. We do not have to know why the
machine works to use it. We only have to *remember* how to use it.
Jim
On 16 Feb 1996, Kristin E. Waugh wrote:
> I agree with Nette. To me, it almost seems absurd not to spend more time
> teaching children with conceptually based instruction when it will be the
> concepts which will be of most use to them later on.
>
> I have two points to make:
>
> First, I am a firm supporter of instruction which incorporates many
> different learning styles as does conceptually based instruction. >From my
> own experience it seems obvious that children learn better when the material
> is presented to them in several different approaches. If this is not done
> at the outset and the material is instead presented in only one style, some
> children will be unable to grasp the material and either much time will be
> spent later on trying to help the student catch up or the student will
> become frustrated and disassociate him/herself from the process of
> learning. Often such outcomes can be avoided if several different methods
> of teaching are employed at the outset.
>
> Second, in the age of computers rote memory is of less and less importance.
> Instead what is required of people is a thorough understanding of the
> relevant concepts and the creativity to employ them in new ways. This is
> especially true as technology continues to expand at a rapid pace and more
> and more frequently information that was once thought of as important
> becomes outdated and irrelevant. The conceptually based instruction not
> only provides students with an understanding of the few concepts covered in
> school, but also provides them with a method of learning and engaging
> materials which they can later utilize to understand new ideas and grow and
> change with the world. Thus, conceptually based instruction appears to
> provide students with the creative thinking and conceptual understanding
> which is essential today.
>
> --Kristin
>
>
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