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...
by MathPickle | Aug 18, 2015 | Teaching Technique Discussion
We should abolish the subject of mathematics in elementary school. Why? Because “mathematics” has become synonymous with arithmetic for many educators and parents. Problem solving, which should be at the heart of the classroom experience of mathematics is...
by MathPickle | Aug 10, 2015 | Pickle Opinion
I’m agnostic when it comes to computer games. On the negative side: 1) Too many students already have too much screen time at home – the last thing this subset of students need is to have screen time in school. 2) Quality control is lacking. On the...
by MathPickle | Aug 7, 2015 | Muse of Mathematics
I’ve already put up some magic tricks on MathPickle, but I’d like your input. What place does magic have in the classroom? Mathemagic is great. Some teachers use it to increase their coolness factor, but the primary reason to use mathemagic should be to generate...
by MathPickle | Aug 7, 2015 | Muse of Mathematics
What about the use of games in the classroom? The heart of mathematics education is problem solving. Thinking games pose one problem after another problem – a whole sequence of problems that end with victory or defeat. They fit naturally into a mathematics...
