Math Education: A University View

http://wheresthemath.com
Cliff Mass discusses math Education.

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[sleeper2345]

Do a search for "the good old days that never were" to see that US instruction in mathematics has never been helpful for developing student understanding of mathematics. I love your reminiscing of mathematical understanding, though no evidence exists that students actually learned mathematics better at that time. It is time to return to reality rather that live in dreamland.

[sleeper2345]

Algebra involves mathematical reasoning, not memorizing a unch of facts. EM can engage students in mathematical reasoning, if properly used. However, most teachers don't implement it properly, as demonstrated by research. Don't worry, we continue to teach math just as we did with slide rules, very poorly without connection to meaning of involving reasoning. See the TIMSS video study for more information on this.

[64sandal]

1. y=x/(1-x)

2. y(1-x)=x

3. y-xy=x

4. y=x+xy

5. y=x(1+y)

6. y/(1+y)=x

7. x=y/(1+y)

If you doubt it, substitute y/(1+y) for x in equation 1 and simplify. Of course, if you couldn't solve the first, you probably have no chance ........

[garcaidavid95]

Can you solve these math?= D-[divided E.BDF] then divide that whit B|B.DBB Then show me the anwser

[sleeper2345]

@BruceDeitrickPrice Bruce: I'd love to see you solve the "simple equation in the video for x: y = x / (1-x). Please tell us your result.

[SymbolicSoliloquy]

If there is a science of possibility that helps one go from the smallest choices, to the largest, while respecting the sum of limitations, and the chance for error, then it is Mathematics. Science reveals the way choices are, but without a theory of representation, we are voiceless in a confusing world. There are deeper structures to be found, even if simple, that only deep concentration may provide. When people say mathematics is beautiful, it is not a stepchild of euphoria, it is a new sun.

[Tyreanify]

Good video! Education is not something to be put in a box and forgotten, no matter which approach we use. We need to keep examining the approaches to education and the curriculum that are being used in public school classrooms. We, as taxpayers, should have some say in the way students are being taught and what standards they are expected to meet.

An international standard is the wisest course.

Of course, this video shows just one more reason that families are home schooling their students.

[lxw0052]

I agree w/ reservations. Close to "Fox News" math

For instance, what was the mean Pre-Calculus Test (PCT) v mean SAT? Why?

1) SATs are standardized. 2)GPAs are not.

Conclusion: PCT v SAT measures intelligence v PCT more reliably than PCT v GPA.

Another question: is there evidence that a more rigorous approach improves PCT scores?

FYI: The "simple" algebra equation given his students, y=x/(1-x), is unsolvable for x. Simplest form is y-xy-x=0. So much for rigor... :)

[lxw0052]

I agree w/ reservations. Close to "Fox News" math

For instance, what was the mean Pre-Calculus Test (PCT) v mean SAT?

*SATs are standardized versus norms.

*GPAs are not. (Easier grading systems?)

* Thus, PCT v SAT measures intelligence v PCT more reliably than PCT v GPA

Another question: is there evidence that a more rigorous approach improves PCT scores?

FYI: The "simple" algebra equation given his students, y=x/(1-x), is unsolvable for x. Simplest form is y-xy-x=0. So much for rigor... :)

[rad76dude]

sleeper2345 is correct. Many of the math teachers who have been teaching for a 30 years, hate the Investigative approach. Not because it doesn't work, but because it required them to teach outside of their comfort zone. They taught the curriculum poorly so they could say, "I told you so." The old way of teaching worked...for some of the students, but not for every student! We used to be OK with 40-50% of kids failing math. But not anymore, and Investigations grabs kids and draws them in...

[BruceDeitrickPrice]

Outstanding video, as is the one by M J McDermott. Reform Math was a poisoned well. Trouble is, the con artists who create this stuff are now back in their dank labs, concocting Core Standards. More of the same, I'm afraid.

I'm struck by the evil parallel between Whole Word in reading and Reform Math in arithmetic. Both curricula seem to be designed not to work.

Bruce Deitrick Price

Improve-Education