Thoughts on Teaching Math
Following are some subjects that interest me. Click on them to see some
thoughts and observations.
Recipes vs. mathematical insight
Abstract: Students spend a lot of time memorizing recipes (algorithms)
for doing mathematical tasks. If we do a better job with respect
to concept formation, they can sometimes construct their own recipes.
Mathematical language: vocabulary
and notation
Abstract: Students need more practice reading, writing, and speaking
the language of mathematics, both vocabulary and notation. This will
help them be more efficient in understanding what the textbook and the
teacher are saying, and will help them articulate their own thoughts in
class or on paper.
College Algebra: insight
and language test questions
Abstract: Here are some sample test questions (using the College
Algebra curriculum) that illustrate the kinds of knowledge acquisition
that are implied by the above two observations.