Fuzzy math

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Fuzzy math (also called "reformed math", "whole math", "constructivist math" or "new-new math") is an educational approach to the teaching of basic mathematics for children. It emphasizes word problems and understanding the concepts behind mathematical operations, rather than necessarily getting the right arithmetic answers for these operations. It has been widely used in the United States - particularly in California - since 1989, when the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics released standards that recommended children be taught the ideas behind math, while leaving actual calculation to their calculators.^{[citation needed]}

Contents 1 Education 2 Usage in the 2000 Presidential Debates 3 Also see 4 External links

[edit] Education

In a typical fuzzy math class, children are placed in small groups, and encouraged to develop their own methods of solving arithmetical problems, presented in sentence format. A fuzzy math curriculum will "spiral" between different subjects, moving from topic to topic and back again as the weeks pass. This is in contrast to more traditional math teaching methods, in which children must memorize addition and multiplication tables (usually from 1x1 to 10x10) and standard methods of using them before moving on to practical application.

Much controversy surrounds the teaching of fuzzy math, with many parent and teacher groups arguing that the approach simply does not work. Even the NCTM, which originally recommended the approach, has released statements reversing its position.

[edit] Usage in the 2000 Presidential Debates

The "fuzzy math" dispute was an aspect of the presidential election debates between Al Gore and George Bush in the year 2000.

Bush introduced the term "fuzzy math" into the debate as a criticism of Gore's evaluation of the respective merits of their tax reform plans.

After the debate, people on each side (pro-Gore and pro-Bush) remained convinced that their side was using math correctly, and that it was the other side that was misusing statistics.

The specific issue that sparked the use of the term "fuzzy math" concerned the predicted results of one of Bush's tax cut proposals.

[edit] Also see

• Traditional mathematics
• Reform mathematics
• Standards-based education reform

[edit] External links

• Transcript of October 3, 2000 debate

Standards based mathematics controversy

Constructivist Mathematics: Reform mathematics  • Integrated mathematics  • Core-Plus Mathematics Project  • Focus on Algebra • Investigations in Numbers, Data, and Space  • Connected Mathematics  • Everyday Mathematics  • Mathland  • Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP)  • WASL Rigorous Traditional Mathematics: Traditional mathematics  • Mathematically Correct  • David Klein  • NYC HOLD  • Saxon math  • Singapore Math  • Modern Curriculum Press  •

Standards-based education reform

Theorists: John Dewey  • William Spady  • Jean Piaget  •Benjamin Bloom  • Robert Carkhuff • Marc Tucker Theories: Standards-based education reform  • Outcomes-based education  • Developmentally Appropriate Practice  • Holism  • Constructivism (learning theory)  • Block scheduling  • Holistic grading  • NCEE  • Active learning  • Discovery learning  • Inquiry-based science  • Inventive spelling  • Open-space school  • Small schools movement Values: Excellence and equity  • Meaningful high school diploma  • High standards  • High expectations  • Continual improvement  • Accountability  • Closing the achievement gap Standards: Whole language • National Science Education Standards  • Standards-based mathematics  • National History Standards Federal: No Child Left Behind  • Goals 2000  • School-to-work transition Assessment: Criterion-referenced test  • Norm-referenced test  • Standards-based assessment State Assessment: AIMS  • CLAS  • WASL  • MCAS Diploma: Certificate of Initial Mastery  • High school graduation examination Traditional Education: Traditional education  • Traditional mathematics  • Direct instruction  • Phonics  • Decodable text  • Rote learning  • Grade (education)  • Lecture  • Tracking (education)  • Standard Algorithms  • Correct answer