Reply to 2.0 1st grade curriculum: Carbon Dioxide? Yes! Telling time? No!

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

Yes, but the point is that 8 + 4 = 12 no matter how you do it. Teach them the basic concept and ONE way to do it, then move on. They don't teach them handwriting because they will be using computers in real life. Why teach them myriad ways to do a math problem in their heads when they will be using calculators IRL?[/quote]\

Because the point of math education is to understand math. Or at least, that's what I think the point is. If the point of math education is simply to calculate, as you say, then there's no point in math education at all, because calculators can do that.[/quote]

The basic concept is 8 + 4 = 12. They are teaching them multiple ways of doing it in their heads. I'm sure there are many other ways of doing 8 + 4 = 12 also being taught around the world, but so what? Once they grasp the concept, they should learn ONE method, then move on IMO.[/quote]

Yes, you keep saying that. But it's bad pedagogy. Have you read the NYT Magazine article called "Why Americans Stink At Math" (or something like that, I don't remember the exact title)? If not, consider doing so. You might find it interesting.[/quote]

No, I haven't read it but if Americans stink at math, maybe we should follow some other country's curriculum. I think the basic problem is that people get bored, and they think 'newer must be better.' Math does not care how you do it. The answers are what they are however you get there. We should just find a way to do it and stick with it. BTW, I remember the way i was taught math was called "the new math."[/quote]
And the "new math" you were taught didn't work out so well for a lot of adults.

Much or some of the 2.0 math is based off of  Singapore math, a different country.  Clearly, the old way of teaching math wasn't working, so they changed it.  Remains to be seen whether this new way is better for most kids.  I know for my kids it's been fine.  They seem pretty fluent in math.  I will say, though, that it still requires practicing at home, whether new or old. So, no matter the method, kids need to practice at home, and I don't mean with tutors.[/quote]

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