tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707703066300530859.post8293799181140351203..comments2024-03-15T02:09:23.712-06:00Comments on for the love of learning: Math as a ventriloquist actAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15047405950514440042noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707703066300530859.post-28691346799468362532011-12-21T18:25:08.226-07:002011-12-21T18:25:08.226-07:00OK, math (or maths) was not "taught at them&q...OK, math (or maths) was not "taught at them"... an algorithm or, worse, learned response was passed on...<br />We need to separate method from process, and also separate mathematics from functional numeracy (being able to work with numbers to an adult level, if you like).<br />Those who claim to be teaching mathematics and "dig in their heels" are probably passers-on of something they think is mathematics, rather than "pay-it-forward" types... ;-)Colinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05649289439626742069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707703066300530859.post-48726032064412351062010-12-23T12:21:50.763-07:002010-12-23T12:21:50.763-07:00Math instruction is the key battle zone in changin...Math instruction is the key battle zone in changing instruction in our schools.<br /><br />It is relatively easy to find progressive English teachers (they all want to be in the Dead Poet's Society); or History teachers (they all read "A People's History of the United States"); or even Science teachers (we like to do experiments just as much as the kids do!).<br /><br />I've been in many math classrooms in the past 5 years. They are all basically the same. Sure, some are more drill and kill centered than others; some are more lecture and test centered than others; but they all are simply variations on that same theme.<br /><br />Math teachers really did their heels in when you try to change instruction. They see math as outside reform. They willingly agree that inquiry is good for kids in science or history. They love to see the projects the kids are doing in English and Art.<br /><br />Math is different, though. Math is monolithic and unchanging. Math is above change.<br /><br />Part of the problem is that so many adults (as you allude to) fear math. Principals won't tell math teachers how to teach because they too fear math (and math teachers).<br /><br />Sometimes I think it'd be fun to teach math, if for no other reason than to turn it on its head and make it problem and project based... and FUN!Tyler (@MrTRice_Science)http://trice25.edbulogs.orgnoreply@blogger.com