California Algebra – Mandates aren’t the only formula
California’s new requirement that all 8th graders complete algebra is very ambitious given the state’s current budget crisis. The mandate, which won’t go into effect until 2011, does have a positive outcome in that politicians are finally waking up to the fact that our schools are failing to keep kids interested in math. However, is a mandate the right way to go?
In a recent San Francisco Chronicle article titled “Algebra – it’s everywhere”, Jill Tucker writes about how our current math programs may be turning kids off. In her article, she quotes Stanford Mathematics Professor Keith Devlin as stating, “”Most of us who become mathematicians do so not because of our education but in spite of it,” Devlin said. “We’re turning kids off a subject that is useful and incredibly interesting and beautiful if taught correctly.”
Here are some suggestions to help kids better connect with math:
1) Encourage publishers to develop better algebra products that help “connect the dots” between algebra and the things today’s kids are interested in.
2) Use technology to help kids contextualize and progress through concepts at a pace most appropriate for each individual child. One size does not fit all.
3) Introduce engaging math games to help kids test and experiment difference math concepts and ease fears of math in general.A coordinated effort between schools, companies (especially publishers and technology providers), and politicians will be needed to help solve the math crisis plaguing many schools today. Realizing that there is a problem is a good first step, finding the right formula is the next step.
You can find a list of fun math games by clicking here!
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Tags: educational games, gender, girls, math