by MathPickle | Sep 28, 2015 | Pickle Opinion |
Mathematics is usually taught brick on brick – each brick resting solidly on the ones underneath. This sounds good. Brick on brick mathematics education is capable of building an impressive edifice. Look at the power of the average calculus student after a...
by MathPickle | Sep 12, 2015 | Teaching Technique Discussion |
To teach the Scientific Method the natural impulse is to turn to the natural world. This needs rethinking. Mini-Mathethatical Universes can be created which students can poke and prod with precision. These universes should be given to students without explanation. My...
by MathPickle | Sep 2, 2015 | Pickle Opinion
I am most impressed with the advice of the Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival to the volunteers who come to people its tables: Be as unhelpful as possible. Joshua Zucker Director, Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival This is marvellous advice for educators and parents...
by MathPickle | Sep 2, 2015 | Pickle Opinion |
Why do we allow students to work in pencil? Sometimes we do it because we want them to erase their mistakes. If done to excess, this is wrong. Mistakes are there to learn from – not to be erased or scribbled out. They should be artfully identified so...
by MathPickle | Sep 2, 2015 | Pickle Opinion
Speed is essential, but some curricula value it too much. The core of every mathematics classroom should be problem solving. Ponderous problem solvers need to be protected. I am not making the case against memorizing basic facts. Students absolutely need to memorize...
