Math Observations

In looking for basic math identities, I came across this site.

Observations and Opinions on Math Education by a Contrarian

http://hometown.aol.com/mathobservations/mathematics.html

There is commentary, but also lots of good math teaching advice. I like the focus on the basic identities, the early introduction of algebra, and tangents as an introduction to trig.

The commentary is very good too. This is the at the top of the main page.

Key Premise: Kids can learn significantly more math content, earlier and faster.

In my contrarian view, the road to college starts at home with homework supervision in 1st grade. If your child isn't learning enough arithmetic, then teach your child arithmetic.

Will your child be ready for college mathematics or end up taking remedial math courses? There is a disconnect between the math taught in school and the math content and skills colleges expect students to know. Our schools need to align curriculum with what colleges expect incoming students to know in mathematics.

There is much more. The site refers to this book and a few of its "secrets".


What Colleges Don't Tell You: 272 Secrets For Getting Your Kid into the Top Schools] by Elizabeth Wissner-Gross [EWG], Educational Strategist. One of EWG's main points is that students who get into the most competitive colleges often have the most parental support at home. Some of her Secrets are below.

Secret 66 Homework Supervision Successful parents participate in homework--even in high school and even for (especially for) the most successful students.

Secret 20 Always think of yourself as a home schooling parent. The most successful parents are those who treat their kids' high school as a supplement to the home school curriculum--even if their kid attends an outside high school full time. Like it or not, parents are primarily responsible for their children's education.

Secret 48 Reward hard work, not grades. Compliment, affirm, and occasionally reward your child for good studying and hard work--not for grades, becasue grades are given out by teachers, and hard work is performed by kids.


I looked up this book on Amazon to read the comments. Some of the "secrets" apparently are very manipulative. There are strong opinions both ways. I suspect that there are enough good secrets to be worth the price. I like the one about always thinking of yourself as a home schooling parent.


Here are comments on tutoring and helping out at home.

Tutoring: As the student was working a problem, I pointed out errors and showed how to correct errors (instant feedback), and, if the student was stuck, I showed the student how to work the problem (instant instruction). Note. This system of instant feedback and instant instruction works very well. Parents can do the same at home.

Doing homework with your child is not the same as doing your child's homework because the child works all the problems. The parent sits with the child and gives instant feedback, instruction, and encouragement as needed.

There is even a quote from Zig.

According to Zig Engelmann, "If the child hasn't learned, then the teacher hasn't taught. That is, if the child hasn't learned, then what the teacher did [instruction] is wrong."

The site is full of information. I wonder who it is.