Mastering Math: Memorization vs. Strategies

$iLearn - Mastering Math Infographic$

For over a hundred years, everyone has advocated one of two viewpoints when it comes to learning the basic math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). Those two viewpoints can be generalized as the Memorization Camp and the Strategies Camp.Memorization Camp: Repetitive practice is a good thing, and it leads to instant recall of facts.…

The Coming Revolution in American Brainpower Development

We all know that technology has revolutionized our world. It has changed the fundamental forces that drive our economy, and changed virtually every aspect of our daily lives. But have you ever stopped to think about some of the important consequences? For starters, it’s eliminated businesses that were part of the fabric of our society for…

The Secret To Motivating Kids To Learn Math

Ever been on the receiving end of questions like “why do I have to learn math?” and “when will I ever use this?” A lot of well-meaning adults waste a lot of time trying to answer these questions. But the reality is, no one can ever convince a kid to learn math because they will…

Are You Prepared for the College Math Tax?

If you’re like virtually all parents, what you want most is for your kids to have a better life than you did. Even so, there’s something you may have never thought about that will have an impact for the rest of their lives: How much math is my child learning in school? It is quite…

The Sham of Standardized Tests

…or, How Much Math Does Your Child Know? I raised that question in an earlier post, and I’d like to add a few thoughts on the subject. And some of them will likely surprise you. If you’re reading this, you probably agree that it’s important for kids to learn math. If for no other reason, to…

The Value of Place Value

Place value is a marvelous invention in math. But in America, we don’t seem to take advantage of it. (The reason I say “in America” will become clear in a moment). How many digits do we use in math? You probably never stopped to think about it. No matter how big a number you deal…

What is an Array?

And What Does it Have to do with Multiplication? An array is simply one way to illustrate multiplication visually, and it has nothing to do with the CC math standards, but more on that in a minute. Our second-oldest daughter has 2 boys in school, one now in fourth grade and one in six grade,…