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That exact page specifies that while mathematical problems have right and wrong answers, word problems often have embedded assumptions, and that teachers should

That exact page specifies that while mathematical problems have right and wrong answers, word problems often have embedded assumptions, and that teachers should encourage students to identify those assumptions and pursue other possible answers. How is that wrong?

b0sk 6y ago
It's also the "most racist document he has ever read". That's kinda fantastic in itself.
lurquer 6y ago
We’ve all encountered ambiguous poorly-written word problems. That’s a problem with grammar and language; not math. The agenda behind the pamphlet is obvious. I liked this gem from the page at issue: >Schooling as we know it began during the industrial revolution, when precision and accuracy were highly valued. What are the myriad ways we can conceptualize mathematics in today’s world and beyond? These thing WERE highly valued? They are no longer? And weren’t they valued BEFORE the industrial revolution? Indeed, was not the Industrial Revolution possible in the first place due to the high value put on precision and accuracy?
- veridies 6y ago
  It is a problem of grammar and language! As others here have said, no one is claiming that the notion of math itself is racist, but that math education can be. The 'agenda' seems to be to make sure that marginalized groups are better able to learn math. Do you disagree? As for the 'highly valued' bit; one could argue that mathematics built for problem solving creative issues (including in computer programming) is now valued more than it was then. That could lead to different curriculum than before.
  - qeternity 6y ago
    No, you're missing the point. Why is valuing "precision and accuracy" inherently supporting systems of white supremacy? You don't land a rocket on Mars by valuing anything other than precision and accuracy.
    - veridies 6y ago
      It didn't say that, though. I agree it could be clearer here, but it seems to be suggesting simply that other values should also be considered when thinking about math education. It never seems to say precision or accuracy are bad or racist.
      - qeternity 6y ago
        This is the thing about the hard sciences, there is nothing else that matters. You can teach these principles more effectively, but unfortunately there are right answers and there are wrong answers. The laws of the universe just don't care about anything else.
        loopz 6y ago
        You're missing the point of equity in the education system. There are different ways to teach different students effectively.
ed2021 6y ago
Glad a few folks already posted this. I mean, this is just good teaching, /especially/ in a world of standardized tests. I don't think I can rephrase it better than the document already states: > And teaching math isn't just about solving specific problems. It's about helping students understand the deeper mathematical concepts so that they can apply them throughout their lives. Students can arrive at the right answer without grasping the bigger concept; or they can have an “aha” moment when they see why they got an answer wrong. Sometimes a wrong answer sheds more light than a right answer. It is hugely useful to be able to interrogate misleading paths to seemingly correct but ultimately incorrect answers. Half of standardized test answers seem to be written to intentionally capture such missteps.

b0sk 6y ago

It's also the "most racist document he has ever read". That's kinda fantastic in itself.

lurquer 6y ago

We’ve all encountered ambiguous poorly-written word problems. That’s a problem with grammar and language; not math. The agenda behind the pamphlet is obvious. I liked this gem from the page at issue: >Schooling as we know it began during the industrial revolution, when precision and accuracy were highly valued. What are the myriad ways we can conceptualize mathematics in today’s world and beyond? These thing WERE highly valued? They are no longer? And weren’t they valued BEFORE the industrial revolution? Indeed, was not the Industrial Revolution possible in the first place due to the high value put on precision and accuracy?

veridies 6y ago
It is a problem of grammar and language! As others here have said, no one is claiming that the notion of math itself is racist, but that math education can be. The 'agenda' seems to be to make sure that marginalized groups are better able to learn math. Do you disagree? As for the 'highly valued' bit; one could argue that mathematics built for problem solving creative issues (including in computer programming) is now valued more than it was then. That could lead to different curriculum than before.
- qeternity 6y ago
  No, you're missing the point. Why is valuing "precision and accuracy" inherently supporting systems of white supremacy? You don't land a rocket on Mars by valuing anything other than precision and accuracy.
  - veridies 6y ago
    It didn't say that, though. I agree it could be clearer here, but it seems to be suggesting simply that other values should also be considered when thinking about math education. It never seems to say precision or accuracy are bad or racist.
    - qeternity 6y ago
      This is the thing about the hard sciences, there is nothing else that matters. You can teach these principles more effectively, but unfortunately there are right answers and there are wrong answers. The laws of the universe just don't care about anything else.
      - loopz 6y ago
        You're missing the point of equity in the education system. There are different ways to teach different students effectively.

ed2021 6y ago

Glad a few folks already posted this. I mean, this is just good teaching, /especially/ in a world of standardized tests. I don't think I can rephrase it better than the document already states: > And teaching math isn't just about solving specific problems. It's about helping students understand the deeper mathematical concepts so that they can apply them throughout their lives. Students can arrive at the right answer without grasping the bigger concept; or they can have an “aha” moment when they see why they got an answer wrong. Sometimes a wrong answer sheds more light than a right answer. It is hugely useful to be able to interrogate misleading paths to seemingly correct but ultimately incorrect answers. Half of standardized test answers seem to be written to intentionally capture such missteps.