An Advanced Math Education Revolution Is Underway In the U.S. (theatlantic.com)

AthanasiusKircher writes: The Atlantic has an >extended article on the recent surge in advanced math education at the primary and secondary levels in the U.S., arguing that last year's victory for the U.S. in the Math Olympiad was not a random anomaly. Participation in math camps, after-school or weekend math "academies," and math competitions has surged in recent years, with many programs having long wait lists. Inessa Rifkin, co-founder of one of these math academies, argues that the problems with math education begin in the 2nd and 3rd grades: ""The youngest ones, very naturally, their minds see math differently.... It is common that they can ask simple questions and then, in the next minute, a very complicated one. But if the teacher doesn't know enough mathematics, she will answer the simple question and shut down the other, more difficult one." These alternative math programs put a greater focus on problem-solving: "Unlike most math classes, where teachers struggle to impart knowledge to students—who must passively absorb it and then regurgitate it on a test—problem-solving classes demand that the pupils execute the cognitive bench press: investigating, conjecturing, predicting, analyzing, and finally verifying their own mathematical strategy. The point is not to accurately execute algorithms, although there is, of course, a right answer... Truly thinking the problem through—creatively applying what you know about math and puzzling out possible solutions—is more important."

The article concludes by noting that programs like No Child Left Behind have focused on minimal standards, rather than enrichment activities for advanced students. The result is a disparity in economic backgrounds for students in pricey math activities; many middle-class Americans investigate summer camps or sports programs for younger kids, but they don't realize how important a math program could be for a curious child. As Daniel Zaharopol, founder of a related non-profit initiative, noted in his searches to recruit low-income students: "Actually doing math should bring them joy."

Comments

drop coding, do math

[sittingnut]

drop the silly coding classes that gives nothing ('nerds' will learn anyways, others never will), do maths!

-
but will americans ever be free of mind control to even ask,
"I admit that twice two makes four is an excellent thing, but if we are to give everything its due, twice two makes five is sometimes a very charming thing too." - from 'notes from underground' by fyodor dostoyevsky

Education is getting better

[110010001000]

I have noticed that Public education is getting better in the US. They are now teaching Math much more effectively (at least at the elementary school level). At first I thought the Common Core was dumb after my elementary school child showed me what he was doing, but after researching the teaching methods I know understand the reasoning behind techniques they are using. Plus the efforts of Code.org to introduce our kids to logic and programming at an elementary school level is really helping with all of their studies. Amazingly teaching basic logic helps in all aspects of life. Kudos to the Common Core people and Code.org. Too frequently the teaching "experts" are teaching the wrong techniques. Anyone who grew up learning "new math" (Venn diagrams, etc) in the early and mid 1980s public schools knows what I mean by that!

Math is a Chore

[sycodon]

The way math is taught, Math is a chore. The way common core teaches it, it's a stupid, idiotic chore.

There is never an example of the wonders of math. No examples of what can be accomplished and how you can actually benefit. It's just a series of numbered problems with the answers to the odd numbers in the back and precious little explanation. Something to finish before class is out and to remember just long enough to pass the next test.

Math is a chore because it's taught like a chore.

ask Shatner who gets credit

[bill_mcgonigle]

From my experience with kids of this generation, there's one teacher who's responsible for most of the positive increase in mathematical competency in recent years: Salman Khan.

I'm sure you'll find any number of politicians and their cronies at the textbook corporations who will claim credit, but when they mess everything up and the children find themselves mystified and befuddled, they turn to Khan for help.