|
|
Investigations Curriculum Value
Posted:
Oct 28, 2002 10:29 PM
|
|
I have had the good fortune of observing three of my daughters learn
math using Investigations. Two of them are now in middle school,
thriving in math, as a result of the foundation laid in elementary
school.
I graduated from Stanford, earning a degree in civil engineering in
the mid-1970's. I was always successful at math, but never learned it
or developed a feel for what it meant in the way that my daughters are
now. I am relieved that they are being educated at this time when
reformed math curriculae like Investigations are available to their
classroom teachers.
After working as a civil engineer, I recently returned to school to
earn a teaching credential. I now am teaching high school math at a
low achieving high school in Portland. I can spot the students who
have some depth of understanding of mathematical patterns and number
sense. Generally there's some standards-based curriculum in their
background. When I see it, I am relieved for them. Not angry. Not
worried. Not frustrated with opportunity lost. Quite the contrary.
When I see a students who has had teachers who moved away from the
abstract to the meaningful, I see hope for that student's future.
We parents come with a variety of perspectives. Don't presume we all
want what we had in the way of math curriculum or instruction for our
children. I certainly do not.
Susan Pfohman
Portland, OR
|
|
