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The bigger problem is that the “modern” method (at least the way it’s being taught here) doesn’t do anything to help actually convey what multiple is doing. It’s still just a mindless procedure for the students who are taking this approach.
The reason US students are getting worse at math isn’t because they can’t do arithmetic, instead it’s that they don’t understand how to think about numbers. Teachers like this one make math all about following a particular procedure and the context is irrelevant, so it’s no surprise that on a standardized test when a student encounters a question where the student needs to come up with procedure themselves they end up failing.
God we suck. We need to Make Arithmetic Great Again.
I always did math on paper the traditional way and would never consider doing it otherwise... However what she is showing is similar to how I would do it in my head. I could break large numbers down allowing me to multiply them in my head, what's 6*6495? Break that down to 6000 , 400, 90 and 5. Multiply each by 6 and then add them together, you have your answer. Of course you need a good memory and the addition has it's own little tricks where those numbers are getting broken down.
I had shortcuts like this for all kinds of math I developed on my own, I first started doing this with the times tables. Instead of memorizing them I was doing them in my head. 9*9? (10*9) -9 .... That's a simple example and I can't even remember 99% of what I was doing.
Last edited by thecoalman; 12-13-2019 at 08:26 AM..
Are students in regular math classes allowed to use calculators in class during test today? In my time anyone caught using a calculator was a fail for cheating. Look at NASA in the 60s and early 70s. Those engineers performed complex math problems using pencil and paper or a chalk board.
It's a THING now. Students are taught multiple methods for math problems instead of just one, so that they can stick with the one that works best for them. It's supposed to bring better understanding to what they are doing rather than just forcing a single "Do it this way" approach. In other words, there is research and stuff backing up this approach.
Says the mom who does it the old way and is having a heck of a time helping kids with homework (tens frame, window method, I can't remember what else)...
Are students in regular math classes allowed to use calculators in class during test today?
I like to analogize this with teaching someone to build a house. Learning to saw wood is important but if you give them a hand saw they are spending most of their time sawing wood. Give them a power saw and you can spend more time learning to build the house.
There is fine line between understanding and useless monotony.
As long as I can remember , from elementary school to now, I've been aware of the old people complaining about how young people learn math.
Kids don't use calculators at the grade levels where they are learning the basics.
When they advance to higher levels of math, they are able to use calculators because that's not the point at that level.
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