There is more than one way to teach math. Enter into the Great Math Debate!
Math is one subject that almost every homechooler can relate to. Like it, love it, hate it, we all must learn it. To some, math may seem like the most staid, stable subject there is. Well, welcome to the Great Math Debate! There is more than one approach to math, and supporters for each side can be quite vocal in which approach works best. I found this out as I researched different curriculums for my son. As I read through the message boards, I was surprised by the depth of feeling over each method.
In this article, we will highlight 2 major lines of thought in teaching math, and some of the representatives of each "school".(Please note that there are many different math curriculums out there. I will only address a few.)
1. The Incremental Approach
The incremental approach takes a step-by-step, building blocks attitude in teaching math. Concepts are explained and then practiced over and over, often in small chucks. For example, in teaching how to tell time, you would start with telling time to the hour. After practicing this for perhaps a month in several ways, you would then work on teaching how to tell time to the half-hour. After several more weeks of using this new concept, teaching time to the quarter hour is added, and so on.
Advantages -
- Basic concepts are drilled, so they become facts easily recalled
- Bigger skills are broken down into more manageable chunks
- Math fundamentals are mastered, making higher math easier
- Can be easier for a mathmatically challenged parent to teach
Disadvantages
- Mathmatically gifted children can be easily bored
- Lack of application skills (too much memorization, not enough applied thinking)
- Can feel slow
- Too much repetition
Example of this kind of curriculum: Saxon Math, A Beka Math
2. Applied Math
Applied math teaches a new concept, then helps students to apply the concept in ways that challenge logic and rote learning. Relying less on constant memorization, applied math helps students learn the role of math in different situations. In short, applied math focuses more on thinking skills than building-blocks. For example, after learning the concept of, say, addition, students might be immediately presented with word problems that require understanding not only the addition facts, but why and how you use them
Advantages
- Critical thinking skills are developed
- Understanding how math is used and not just relying on facts
- More relationship between math and the rest of the world
Disadvantages
- May be frustrating to children not confident in math, or unsure of basic facts
- Not always enough repetition of neccesary skills
- Not enough practice
Examples: Singapore Math, Miquon Math
So, Which Is Best?
Like teaching anything else, you must find what works best for you and your child. Each parent has their own teaching style and comfort level. Curriculums can be wrong for the teacher, too. Each child also learns differently. Some children respond well to the building block approach, and wilt under the critical thinking approach. Other children find rote learning incredibly boring, and love to apply what they learn in multiple situations.
In the end, do a lot of research. Do not let the message boards for curriculum review sites get you down, though. Like I said, people are pretty passionate about the approach they choose and are quick to blast what they do not like, at least in math! Do what seems right for your homeschool. Do not be afraid to switch if it does not work for you or your child.
For most, a blending of the two different approaches works best. In our next article, we will discuss how to do this, and some other math options.
