I recently wrote an article called Rethinking high school math, where I mentioned that maybe Algebra should not be the starting point for all high school students. For some, it might very well be the end point. That article was followed by a very thought provoking comment. Another Examiner writer, Jacqueline asks: "when is it more about setting a standard then a crutch? The US is so far behind with respect to Match, Science, and Technology when do we catch up and close the gap?" I noticed that she also wrote an article about Gifted and Talented children being invisible in Tyler Classrooms.
This brings me to my point. My question is, does the US need every student to be very good, which we can't seem to achieve, or would it be better to let the a small number be the best, which could happen if they let every child do math at their own pace?
As I sit here watching the Olympics as I type, I have to ponder what would happen if every student were forced to do physical education at the same pace. Can you just imagine it? "Tommy, you are running too fast!" a teacher might say, "Timmy is having trouble keeping up". "Everyone needs to run the same pace, so I can keep an eye on everyone". Sounds crazy doesn't it?
If we as a nation gave math superstars the same space to excel that we give athletes on the field, I gather that would would have outshone many of the most successful math stars in other countries by now.
But how do we accomplish this? We need to teach math individually. I realize this sounds scary when we are used to a one-size-fits-all schools system. After all, where would we find enough teachers to do math one-one-one? It sounds like a logistical nightmare, doesn't it?
My suggestions are simple. First, math should be taught in a computer lab situation. There is some amazing software available that will work with a child until they understand a function, and then allow them to move on to the next function. Math software tends to make sure a child has mastered all prerequisites before moving on to something harder. There would of course be several teachers available to help students who need a little extra help of has questions.
If you are worried that there will be kids who will never get out of pre-algebra going at their own pace, I beg to differ. As a homeschool mom, I have had the privilege of watching two kids to math at their own pace for almost 8 years.
One child took 2 years to master multiplication, then breezed through division, fractions, and decimals, in a month's time. She continued to learn at record pace until hitting Algebra, where she spent 2 months on the first chapter, then her pace picked up again this 13 year old is flying through the rest of the program independently. Another child took 2 years on Pre-Algebra, 12 full months on Algebra, and then flew through Geometry with no issues. This 15 year old is having no problems working though Algebra 2 with little help. My point is, it all comes out in the wash. The kids will linger in some areas, but they will eventually master it, and pick up speed again. Sure some kids will fall a little short, but most will exceed expectations if allowed to master math instead of learn it at the pace of the group.
And for those who exceed expectations, they need more individualized attention to help them achieve even greater heights. Just like a Speed racer needs to be taught individually, or in very small groups to become the best, students who excel in math need equal attention.
Comments
Great ideas, unfortunately I don't ever see our public school system getting to this point. That's the beauty of homeschooling!
These are excellent ideas, and yes, it could be done! If only educators would respect homeschooling parents enough to ask for our help and insight. If they would use our methodology instead of their pedagogy, they would succeed in getting students to grade level and beyond in math.
You are correct, children excelling in math is not the norm. Essentially, we are saying the same thing, however, from different ends of the spectrum. Due to; the federal manadate of "No Child Left Behind", the public schools are teaching from a one size fits all approach. This does does not benefit the gifted students or those that are struggling, this is my point exactly as mentioned in my article. As a mother of three boys of which one is gifted in math and science, I am seeing first hand how certain public classroom settings do not challenge him. I was highlighting how Tyler has several public school options for gifted students. Fortunately for us moms, nothing supercedes us being advocates for our children. This is where the one size fits all teaching, just won't do. As moms, when we are involved with our children we tend to see traits and behaviors from our kids exuded more quickly than teachers. This is an engaging discussion.
Yes to self-paced math learning. I went to high school where no AP or honors classes existed. I was allowed to do the math book at my own pace for 2 different classes. We didn't have fancy computer programs to pace us, just worked from the book! It was great. Regardless of NCLB etc. - do teachers have the option to just let some students work ahead on their own? It was just a no-brainer for me... thank goodness for those teachers who let me do it.
Excellent article! I wholeheartedly agree that homeschooled students absolutely zoom through mathematics topics at their own pace, generally much more quickly than would be accomplished in any classroom.
Marie-Claire Moreau
Jacksonville Homeschooling Examiner here on Examiner dot com
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