tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post8620127376484422066..comments2024-03-18T22:50:29.792-07:00Comments on Cliff Mass Weather Blog: Undermining Math Education in our StateCliff Mass Weather Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948649423540350788noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-88819519135303029142010-12-27T03:40:27.775-08:002010-12-27T03:40:27.775-08:00For secondary school teachers, it usually means ha...For secondary school teachers, it usually means having an in-depth command of one or two specific content areas such as mathematics or biology.<br /><br />Regards!<br /><a href="http://www.myessayspace.com" rel="nofollow">Term Papers help</a>Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18332723938279397828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-76871765695137617782010-05-05T06:26:23.166-07:002010-05-05T06:26:23.166-07:00The whole point of using the lattice method is so ...The whole point of using the lattice method is so that student's don't have to carry numbers. This undermines their understanding of place value, and the relationships between numbers, and will only serve to weaken their understanding of higher mathematics. <br /><br />Everyday mathematics is a thoroughly discredited system. If you have internet access, it’s not hard to find numerous articles about its failures.bjalder26https://www.blogger.com/profile/10130790542420287596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-59998417501416966352009-12-08T01:16:50.142-08:002009-12-08T01:16:50.142-08:00Very nice write up. Easy to understand and straigh...Very nice write up. Easy to understand and straight to the point.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ghostpapers.com/" rel="nofollow">Term Papers</a>Term Papershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02145417264678061367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-55267706338380979662009-12-08T00:03:49.631-08:002009-12-08T00:03:49.631-08:00Very good post. I have been searching for this pos...Very good post. I have been searching for this post since many days. Now I have implemented the same for my site.Term Papershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02145417264678061367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-60562950888809918862009-11-16T20:47:45.547-08:002009-11-16T20:47:45.547-08:00I Think its really great effort looking forward to...I Think its really great effort looking forward to see more stuff from your side on this topic...keep posting..!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flashpapers.com/" rel="nofollow">Term papers</a>daniel johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02542612372929827946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-70460806723799180752009-10-26T20:41:03.738-07:002009-10-26T20:41:03.738-07:00My son is in six grade this year and it has been s...My son is in six grade this year and it has been so depressing to watch his math studies. I've been tutoring him in the multiplication tables, etc trying to build up the fluency but he still does skip counting, which is the way he was taught in schools. Currently he's in the Spectrum advanced program at Denny, thankfully, but studying the math that I studied in 3rd grade in the 70's. <br /><br />Also, he hasn't had to know how to spell, or even how to punctuate a sentence until this year! The English and history programs are just as bad as the math. We need raise our expectations for our children. They will only live up to what we expect...Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17453892184599041076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-87883916697162423302009-10-24T11:11:06.744-07:002009-10-24T11:11:06.744-07:00Very interesting, as my 2nd grader is using Everyd...Very interesting, as my 2nd grader is using Everyday Math. I liked the idea of getting parents involved, and having the kids do a bit of work every day. I like the way they re-visit topics with the "spiral" curriculum. Thanks to this visit, I am starting to understand why they have such an emphasis on place values, a concept they seem to drum in to the point of frustration for my child.<br /><br />I feel that it is sometimes necessary to master an algorithm and let the feeling of understanding sink in later. It does come around, but the process is not very satisfying to students. I don't mind them introducing the groupings, or even the calculator use, but I agree that bright students should also know the old algorithms. It may be okay to teach it in the 4th grade instead of 2nd grade, perhaps.<br /><br />In our public school, they supplement the Everyday Math with Singapore math, so I am pleased to see the opinion that Singapore is a good method. I don't worry for my own daughter, with mathematician parents, but I do worry about the parents who aren't watching videos like this, or who can't see what the problem is doing through the wacky presentation. Also, my 2nd grader's teacher has a chemistry background, so I know they hire the best. It is hard to get a teaching job in Seattle.<br /><br />One other point, in favor of of the lattice method. IT is similar enough to the standard algorithm that students will easily learn the standard after the lattice method. The lattice method has the advantage of reaching visually oriented learners better than the regular long division. Long division is a baffling algorithm, for many years. The lattice method may make it more sensible for the early methematicians. <br /><br />Thanks so much, Cliff, for keeping your readers in the loop on this.Euphoria Gibbonshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15376499450799110123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-19547909223213246092009-10-24T10:28:44.469-07:002009-10-24T10:28:44.469-07:00Cliff, you should check out the way that Montessor...Cliff, you should check out the way that Montessori educators teach math...<br /><br />http://goodatdoingthings.com/zinniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01776870087990314962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-19831464797607105032009-10-23T21:35:33.249-07:002009-10-23T21:35:33.249-07:00Hi Cliff,
I respectfully disagree.Hi Cliff,<br /><a href="http://www.eduleadership.org/2009/10/24/a-response-to-cliff-mass-on-math-standards-and-assessment" rel="nofollow">I respectfully disagree</a>.Justinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16673375903640686889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-82459854608960326412009-10-23T14:48:09.461-07:002009-10-23T14:48:09.461-07:00Math teaches you how to think. Specically, the cri...Math teaches you how to think. Specically, the critical thinking required throughout a student's own mathematical investigation strengthens problem solving abilities. Students who can produce original reasons and<br />think through arguments on their own have a sense of ownership and understanding. Make no mistake, the true nature of mathematics is discovery.Carl Olimbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11880771483913542354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-50984523520479486902009-10-22T20:44:51.036-07:002009-10-22T20:44:51.036-07:00Hmmmmm....interesting video and interesting ways, ...Hmmmmm....interesting video and interesting ways, yet different ways to learn math. From what was shown, it almost seems like basic Multiplication and the standard long division may be easier as the other two says seem to perhaps involve more work. That`s just my take as that is the first video I have seen of those different ways of math learning. But guess one would have to come familiar with what ever worked best for them. But good to see that there are other ways of learning math.andycottlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12696751462397354299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-68054747972320633142009-10-22T17:58:11.057-07:002009-10-22T17:58:11.057-07:00switching gears a little
I know it's to early...switching gears a little<br /><br />I know it's to early to tell what impact El Niño will have in the PNW but I wonder if it has the folks up in Vancouver a little worried about their big mountain events coming up..Just a thoughtAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-64416773904281200122009-10-22T14:46:23.284-07:002009-10-22T14:46:23.284-07:00Whenever this discussion of math teaching comes up...Whenever this discussion of math teaching comes up (and we had it, but in different form, when my kids were in elementary school in the 80's, I'm reminded of the Isaac Asimov short story, 'The Feeling of Power'. In that future world, 2 societies are locked in a long, deadlocked conflict which is completely controlled by computers. Until an 'antiquarian' begins to demonstrate to his superiors an amazing skill he has learned -- he can compute without a calculator!!<br />At first his superiors are unbelieving - how can those 'random' marks on a piece of paper actually produce the same answer as a calculator? But in the end, the society is freed from the yoke of the calculator:<br /><br />Nine times seven, thought Shuman with deep satisfaction, is sixty-three, and I don't need a computer to tell me so. The computer is in my own head.<br /><br />And it was amazing the feeling of power that gave him."Bradhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02261484613580283255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-90380373155479236562009-10-22T14:32:51.659-07:002009-10-22T14:32:51.659-07:00Why did Randy Dorn leave Bergeson's staff inta...Why did Randy Dorn leave Bergeson's staff intact in the first place? Surely he can't be that naive. It's not as if Dr. Bergeson wrote the standards and test items herself. Superintendent Dorn better start flexing his proverbial muscle, or he will fumble away his opportunity to improve our struggling public schools.Todd Hausmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10431390479448581011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-10652793601680468742009-10-22T14:27:56.783-07:002009-10-22T14:27:56.783-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Todd Hausmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10431390479448581011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-37672330053049171642009-10-22T13:44:14.947-07:002009-10-22T13:44:14.947-07:00I hate to ask this, but why are methods of teachin...I hate to ask this, but why are methods of teaching math from forty years ago , discredited? Weren't we cranking out engineers and scientists then? Wasn't the level of math proficiency of incoming freshmen higher then as well? Seriously, using calculator for simple tasks? <br /><br />"Here kid, take this crutch for walking , because we're always going to have crutches"Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03592060363558323782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-22633639140686804522009-10-22T11:25:09.971-07:002009-10-22T11:25:09.971-07:00Christopher,
A problem with discovery math progr...Christopher,<br /> A problem with discovery math programs is that they are leaving out major parts of mathematics that are crucial for success later. In addition, students are failing to build key skills. The bottom line is that current discovery programs are clearly not working. And as my message explains, important math skills will not even be tested. The National Academy Sciences found that there is a lack of research showing that discovery methods even work.....cliff mass<br /><br />Regarding Seattle School Board candidates--Kay Smith Blum really seems to understand the situation.Cliff Mass Weather Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13948649423540350788noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-80744280354622550162009-10-22T11:16:07.135-07:002009-10-22T11:16:07.135-07:00and it's not just maths. we were told at a rec...and it's not just maths. we were told at a recent parent/teacher evening that although end of year tests would include some basic knowledge of the solar system this wasn't going to be covered in class ... talk about setting the kids up for failureAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-23358295939766910712009-10-22T10:54:17.499-07:002009-10-22T10:54:17.499-07:00I understand that discovery math is different but ...I understand that discovery math is different but it is how people will eventually start thinking as they develop.<br /><br />The whole concept is to teach how people will eventually be thinking. I learned math memorizing algorithms but as I developed my skills mentally, I was doing math in a similar fashion as the cluster concept.<br /><br />With how they teach now, they want students to learn how they will most likely be doing math when they develop. Breaking the big problem down into smaller problems. However, this is not efficient. This is where it comes down to, what is efficient and quick vs what is the better way of thinking.<br /><br />Discovery Math isn't a wrong way to teach. It's different and works the mind more to develop problem solving skills vs memorization. The problem is that there is not enough time for students to develop these skills properly before they move onto higher math.<br /><br />If you want to compare how well students are doing outside of the US, just look at how much more time they spend in school. I understand that students also have to take time outside of a classroom to develop their own skills but honestly,who really expects kids to spend enough time outside of the classroom. After homework assignments, how many kids will want to spend more time studying.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18011751631395064432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-81454621801377519812009-10-22T04:17:21.683-07:002009-10-22T04:17:21.683-07:00The problem is much deeper than teaching math.
Bo...The problem is much deeper than teaching math.<br /><br />Boeing & Microsoft employ some of the brightest "math" minds around and yet, the former can't get a new plane to fly and the later has demonstrated, after several attempts, it can not improve a decade-old operating system.<br /><br />If math were valued in our society there would be demand for math majors from our universities.E.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17666871307899059049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-14150376839174280762009-10-21T21:56:47.729-07:002009-10-21T21:56:47.729-07:00I am a math teacher in a Washington State middle s...I am a math teacher in a Washington State middle school. I love math and I am pretty good at teaching it. But, I am no longer allowed to teach it the way I know is best. I have to use constructivism and "discovery learning" to the detriment of my students. I try my best to do what is right, but I am being watched. I want to quit. I want to be a mathematician in a place where they appreciate the math.<br />Let me just leave you with some thoughts..<br />Early math learning experiences are very very important. Elementary teachers should know math beyond what they are teaching so they understand how important it is for the later years. Good teaching trumps curriculum every time. Districts should not hire people who are math-phobic. In China, the best math teachers teach the lower grades to give the kids a good foundation. Why can't we do the same?<br />I really appreciate all you do, Mr. Mass, in alerting people to this problem and this awful curriculum. Maybe things will change before I retire, but in the meantime, how many students will be lost to the stupidity of bad curricular materials and bad teachers?snapdragonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10052978249380402838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-57240647290777067192009-10-21T21:28:11.409-07:002009-10-21T21:28:11.409-07:00How about 2/2, 3/3, 4/4,...,n/n ?
We both underes...How about 2/2, 3/3, 4/4,...,n/n ?<br /><br />We both underestimate and cheat our children with the poor math curiculum, and teachers who don't understand math, so they can't teach it well. Years ago, my son had a high-school math teacher mark 7x=35 X=? wrong when he answered x=5. He pointed out the error; she showed him the answer book said x=6, and refused "to do the math."RainCityBobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06356095065120487024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-39882131843698293062009-10-21T19:38:03.595-07:002009-10-21T19:38:03.595-07:00Sorry, 1/7 and 1/11!
Represent and identify equiv...Sorry, 1/7 and 1/11!<br /><br /><b>Represent and identify equivalent fractions with denominators of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12.</b><br /><br />Can anyone explain this???Bill Kuhnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07724000985602680504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-21255029970880291022009-10-21T17:14:03.446-07:002009-10-21T17:14:03.446-07:00I did some research in regards to our countries ba...I did some research in regards to our countries basic school systems. USA school system is based on the turn of the 1900 century when we had a huge influx of foreign immigrants. To this day this system is the basis for our childrens education. It has never been upgraded. It is also quite interesting that math has been especially hit quite hard .... math is a universal language. ie. all peoples can communicate. Next to be hit hard is history ............ mmmmmmm .... what do you think.Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08434865844467769246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478606652950905956.post-59744163531439204302009-10-21T15:18:29.891-07:002009-10-21T15:18:29.891-07:00Soccer Monday at 5
Gymnastics Wed at 6am and 5
Fac...Soccer Monday at 5<br />Gymnastics Wed at 6am and 5<br />Facebook at 9pm<br />nature deficit disorder<br />Fast Food<br />Fast Media<br />and the math teaching paradigm of "comfortable access" is just but a few of issues at handJoshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08645629430659310315noreply@blogger.com