Computation x Problem-Solving = Success

 

Q. Why do we worry so much about math instruction, anyway? Can't they just use calculators and computers?

 

Of course technology is good, and of course calculators and computers are a standard tool that all students should know how to use. They're fine for daily use for algebra and beyond.

But many of today's grade schools are letting small children use technology at the expense of their own brain development. Wanting to look up to date, the primary grades have tended to copy the secondary grades in math instruction. That is a mistake.

Abandonment of mental math training – no more memorizing math facts, no more oral drills, no more paper-and-pencil computation sessions – denies kids the skills they need to be really good at math.

American kids used to rule the world in both computation and problem-solving. We've lost ground in both areas, particularly in computation, in recent years. When the basics go, it doesn't take long for the higher-level thinking skills to go. Since they're the ones  required for original and creative use of mathematics in science and business, that's scary for our future. We may be losing our edge.

The secret to numerical and logical success in math class and beyond is being able to do math quickly and accurately in your head. That's where "numbers sense" comes from. That's what kids need.

Good math problem-solving ability comes from tussling out a math problem by yourself. When students in the primary grades "do projects" in groups instead of spending "time on task" alone with paper and pencil, they become weak, dependent thinkers, able neither to compute confidently nor creatively solve problems.

This is why grocery store clerks can't make change: their teachers simply didn't make them do a lot of "reps," memorization, math drllls and games, flash cards and other mental math practice.

"Math by machine" can wait. Kids' minds need math first.

 

 

Copyright 2005 • Susan Darst Williams, www.DailySusan.org, is a writer, wife and mother of four who lives at the base of Mount Laundry, Neb.