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Re: Reply to "rote learning math facts
Posted:
Aug 4, 2002 3:50 PM
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> "chemistry is not as fun as
> physics or math because there is more memorization: there are so many
> exceptions to rules, and no logical progression from one concept to
> another." I thought it remarkable that what my son values most about
> math is the lesser reliance on rote memorization and its appeal to
> logic and conceptual understanding.
> mattsmom
Actually, both fields are good examples of why the classical approach
works, namely, that the "grammar" and core content knowlewdge of the
subject must necessarily precede understanding of broader concepts in the
"logic" and "rhetoric" phases.
Your son may enjoy the logic and conceptual understanding of math (as do
all mathematicians), but that follows a thorough grounding in the basic
facts and algorithms.
Chemisty is the same. There are some basic facts that must be understood,
otherwise it is meaningless to talk about an understanding bridging across
those facts. "Critical thinking" is just fine when it takes a direct
object: critical thinking about WHAT.
-- Kevin Killion
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