Bobcat, response 2

Posted on 6/30/09

On 6/26/09, Old Fogey, sort of wrote:
> I've been wondering lately what has changed, in say the
> last 30 years, in math learning and education? I worry
> each day about how to teach more effectively so my students
> will grasp math concepts with true and deep understanding.

I'm right there with you. On the other hand, this should
have been my first response, so maybe my mathematical skills
are not what I once thought they were.

> I don't think my math teachers worried too much about that
> when I was growing up...or at least I don't remember. Were
> there just as many students "left behind" 20-30 yrs. ago as
> there are today in their understanding of math?

I think my teachers wanted it for me nearly as much as I want
it for my students. On the other hand, I also think that we
were better placed back then. Not every student was an
honors student. One of my coworkers jokes that we should
have honors classes, super-honors classes, and ultra-honors
classes so that everyone is an honors student.

> I hear some of my friends say, "Well, I was never good in
> math", or "I can't help my own kids with all the new
> math". I would like to do some type of retrospective, or
> read something (anyone have any recommendations?) about the
> change in math education in this country from about 1950
> until now. I grew up in th e 60's and 70's and it seems
> like we just did math, no big deal. Now there's this BIG
> focus on it...like EVERYONE has to be a whiz in math.
> Well, that's just not realistic.

I've asked this before and everyone ignores it or attacks
it. Why is it okay to have "never been good in math" or not
be able to deal with the "new math?" If, good Lord willing,
I ever have kids and walk, proudly, up to his or her teacher
and say "I be not too goodly at speaked english." I'll be
laughed at. Or say that I can't deal with PE. There is a
big focus on it, but I think it's because so many think that
it's okay to be poor at arithmetic (not mathematics ... big
difference). Just ask a cashier to count back change without
a register, and you'll see what I mean.

> What I'd like to do is find some of my old math
> teachers..if they're not dead...and ask them.

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