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I think math feels hard and unpleasant to most students because the way it is taught is often extremely outdated. In primary school for example, we learn maths
by kcexn 4y ago
I think math feels hard and unpleasant to most students because the way it is taught is often extremely outdated.
In primary school for example, we learn maths by memorising times tables and solving thousands of basic arithmetic problems. This was important in a time before calculators as being able to compute functions is a skill that students might need.
Today though, arithmetic should be taught, not because it might be useful, but because from arithmetic we can discover interesting properties about numbers themselves. I think maths would have been more interesting if you showed students how properties of pure numbers have this nice association with any set of real world objects that can be ordered.
- hdctambien 4y agoBe careful, it sounds like you're describing Common Core Math and several states made that illegal
- raegis 4y ago> In primary school for example, we learn maths by memorising times tables and solving thousands of basic arithmetic problems. This was important in a time before calculators... I used to think like you on this point, until I taught students who were brought up using calculators instead of memorizing multiplication tables, etc. It turns out that many of them could not figure out how to use calculators when needed--they didn't know what to enter because they were rarely required to do any mental math. It's really important for elementary school students to count out loud (including by 2's, 3's, etc.), and count backwards, and memorize multiplication tables, etc., so they are comfortable and confident doing basic arithmetic. Calculators are for people who already understand how to do arithmetic.
- alfnor 4y agoMost calculators have poor UX either way, as they don't support RPN.