Elementary math education

[fleurdelys]

Too often elementary school teachers teach incorrect "mathematics" and also communicate to their students that mathematics is too difficult for ordinary mortals. "If my teachers doesn't understand this, I can't either." Such intellectual and emotional damage is so devastating that even a teacher who is mathematically competent will find it very difficult to undo.

(From "Is elementary education a concern of MAA members?" by Patricia Clark Kenschaft, MAA FOCUS, August/September 2009.)

Another article by the same author (2005): Racial Equity Requires Teaching Elementary School Teachers More Mathematics.

Comments

[natashav.livejournal.com]

Эти идеи передают не только учителя начальных школ. Тут везде почти все считают, что математика это что-то страдное и ужасное.

[fleur-de-lys.livejournal.com]

Да, это отношение настолько въелось в культуру, что непонятно, как можно его изменить.