There have been three reforms in mathematics during the twentieth-century. Progressivist reform from 1910-1940, led by John Dewey, focused on doing mathematics in contrast with the old “pure memorization”. Dewey’s techniques involve stimulating materials that motivate the students to inquire about math.
The second reform, the New Math (1960), focused on improving mathematics education from K to 12 levels. This reform pushed all the topics from university mathematics on to the K – 12 systems in order to prepare the students with the basis to become scientists.
The third reform, Math Wars (1990s – Present), is based on the NCTM Standards. Important features of the reforms include: “the development of curricular materials, professional development workshops, and courses for teachers, new modes of assessment, and the involvement of parents and educational technology initiatives”. (pg. 399) During mid-1990s, the Conservatives started to question about the Progressives’ way of teaching mathematics. Since then, there have been constant battles between the two different stances.
It was interesting to read about math phobic. It is rather depressing when the general public has such negative presumptions about math. Also, it is disheartening about how the majority of elementary school teacher lacks understanding of math concepts. If the children weren’t motivated and encouraged about math at the elementary level, it would be hard to get the children interested in math again and lift their fear about math at the secondary level.
Interestingly, my other education professor today quoted a rather intriguing quote to think about:
“The lecture is the process by which the notes of the lecturer are transferred to the notes of the student without passing through the mind of either.”
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