Reform mathematics
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Reform mathematics is one name for mathematics instruction based on recommendations originally published in 1989 by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).[4] The document Principles and Standards for School Mathematics attempts to set forth a vision for precollege mathematics education in the United States and Canada. The recommendations have been largely adopted by most education agencies, from local to federal levels, and serve as the basis for many states' mathematics standards, for many federally funded textbook projects, and as an influence on standards in other nations.[citation needed]
Mathematics in this style has been called standards-based mathematics[1] or reform mathematics.[2] Less favorable terminology which have appeared in press and web articles include Where's the math?,[3] anti-math,[4] math for dummies,[5] no-math mathematics,[6] rainforest algebra,[7] math for women and minorities,[8] and new new math.[9]
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[edit] Principles and Standards
The momentum for reform in mathematics education began in the early 1980s, as educators reacted to the "new math" of the 1960s and 1970s. The work of Piaget and other developmental psychologists was shifting the focus of mathematics educators from mathematics content to how children best learn mathematics. [10]
Reform mathematics curricula challenge students to make sense of new mathematical ideas through explorations and projects, often in real contexts. [11] Reform texts emphasize written and verbal communication, working in groups, making connections between concepts, and connections between representations. By contrast, "traditional" textbooks emphasize procedural mathematics and provide step-by-step examples with skill exercises.
Traditional mathematics focuses on teaching algorithms that will lead to the correct answer. Because of this focus on application of algorithms, the traditional math student must always use the specific method that is being taught. This kind of algorithmic dependence is de-emphasized in reform mathematics.[12] Reformers do not oppose correct answers, but prefer to focus students' attention on the process leading to the answer, rather than the answer itself. The presence of occasional minor errors is deemed less important than the overall thought process.
[edit] Controversy
While "Principles and Standards for School Mathematics" has been championed by mathematicians, educators and administrators as raising standards for all students, it has been criticized for valuing understanding processes more than correct procedures. Parents opposing reform mathematics have complained about decreased focus on basic computation skills and confusion caused by the increased emphasis on exploration and explanation.[5]
Some integrated math texts have been criticized as covering too many topics in a haphazard sequence, while spending only brief time on topics such as solving linear equations which a traditional algebra class might devote months to deep understanding of a few important single topics.[citation needed]
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) reported in 2005 that the NCTM proposals pushed students into "unrealistically advanced mathematics content in the early grades."[13]
[edit] See also
- Education in the United States
- Mathematically Correct, which opposes the NCTM standards
- Prof David Klein (California State University Northridge), who opposes the NCTM standards
[edit] Notes
- ^ "Standards-Based Mathematics Curriculum Materials: A Phrase in Search of a Definition" By Paul R. Trafton, Barbara J. Reys, and Deanna G. Wasman
- ^ Reform Mathematics vs. the Basics
- ^ San Francisco Chronicle: Where's the Math?
- ^ The State's Invisible Math Standards: "With Zacarias' anti-math policies in force..."
- ^ Math Framework in California NCTM "A State Dummies Down", editorial, The Business Journal (Sacramento), 10 April 1995
- ^ joannejacobs.com: Eth-no-math
- ^ [1] Texas adopts textbook rejected by nation: Adoption of "Rainforest Algebra" appears to contradict this logic
- ^ [2] David Klein: "This misguided view of women and minorities..."
- ^ [3] New, New Math = Controversy CBS News 5/28/2000
- ^ John A. Van de Walle, Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally Longman, 2001, ISBN 08013-3253-2
- ^ John A. Van de Walle, Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally Longman, 2001, ISBN 08013-3253-2
- ^ The NCTM Calls it "Math"
- ^ What the United States Can Learn From Singapore’s World-Class Mathematics System. Retrieved on 2008-01-29.
[edit] External links
- NCTM standards online 120-day free access, otherwise the public is required to pay to purchase or view the standards.
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