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Re: Getting students to take responsibility
Posted:
Oct 18, 1995 12:25 AM
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Howard-
>You are right, Dan, most of us learned mathematics in just the way you
>describe. That is the problem. The fact is that only about 20% of those in
>school (K-12) end up with some measure of mathematical success and literacy.
My argument has never been that math education doesn't need some reform,
linking it better to the real world. My argument is the NCTM is leading us
into unknown ground, going way beyond a good balance of skills, concepts, and
problem solving.
About the apparent "density" of the American public relating to mathematics.
I think the inability of the Simpson jury to even consider the DNA evidence
is proof enough.
However, having said that, I believe the primary reason for our poor
performance as a nation of mathematicians (how do you like that?! Maybe the
NCTM should enter that next to rich, powerful, and diverse, some of their
favorite words.) is that our education system is much too easy. Kids who
don't feel a need to STUDY, don't STUDY, and if they don't STUDY, they don't
learn very much. (Excuse the shouting, but "study" is the forgotten word in
American education.)
Last night at a class I'm taking, I was speaking with a hair stylist. Upon
learning I'm a math teacher, she apologized as all of us know people do. She
then told me she'd like to take some math classes because she knows she can
do better. And you know what? I bet she's right. How many times have we seen
older people come back and retake math courses they failed as youngsters. Did
they get smarter?!!
No, they got motivated!!
Dan Hart
Thursday is Multicultural Unity Day in LAUSD. And you wonder why this city
has no problems.
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