02-05-2015, 02:52 AM
Onamuji wrote:
Was just having this conversation with a parent: Common Core seems to be responsible for teaching kids math via "word problems." Some of the examples seemed to be going to surprising lengths to avoid the use of any word implying a mathematical operation.
I wonder whether learning math as an extension of English vocabulary and syntax is more effective than the rote repetition of formulas that we had to do when I was a kid.
Word problems were one method used to teach math back when I learned the subject; rote repetition was another. Both methods have their merits.
When I was a kid learning math, I always felt the purpose of word problems was to illustrate to the student possible "real world" applications of mathematics. As I recall, most students vehemently hated the dreaded "word problems."