The Evolution of Math Education: Understanding the Why Before the How

I had another post planned for today, but I decided to change the subject based on a conversation I had the other day. During my yearly physical earlier this week, I was wearing one of my many math shirts, which prompted my doctor to ask, “Why did we have to go and change math to this new math?”

This is not the first time I’ve been asked this question. As a Response to Intervention teacher for 8 1/2 years, parents often asked me this at open houses, parent-teacher conferences, and any school event. Honestly, once anyone finds out that I am a math teacher, this is the first question I receive.

Here’s the biggest misunderstanding about the shift in mathematics that occurred over 10 years ago: math itself didn’t change.

Math is and will always be math. What did change is the way we look at and understand math. The strategies we now teach students focus on the WHY before the HOW.

The way generations of people learned math was based on memorizing algorithms, or a series of steps to solve problems. This led to a surface-level understanding of math content. Tricks, shortcuts, and rules were taught to get students through math content.

My favorite book that outlines this shift is Why Before How. It details how the strategies we now teach have existed since the early nineties and are known as Singapore Math Strategies. These strategies emphasize problem-solving and follow a concrete, pictorial, abstract process to learning.

Another important aspect of this shift is the development of critical thinking skills. When students focus on understanding the reasoning behind mathematical concepts, they become better problem solvers. They are able to apply their knowledge to new situations, rather than just memorizing procedures for specific types of problems.

Moreover, the emphasis on understanding math deeply helps in bridging gaps between different areas of mathematics. For instance, when students grasp the underlying principles, they can see connections between algebra and geometry, or between fractions and decimals, making their overall mathematical foundation stronger and more cohesive.

The change in teaching strategies also aims to make math more engaging and accessible. By using visual aids and hands-on activities, students can better visualize and interact with abstract concepts. This approach not only aids in comprehension but also makes learning math more enjoyable and less intimidating for many students.

In conclusion, the evolution of math education is about fostering a deeper, more intuitive understanding of mathematics. It’s about preparing students to think critically and solve problems effectively, rather than just getting through their math homework. As we continue to adapt and improve our teaching methods, the ultimate goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world.

This topic has always been on my list of blog posts. I plan on digging deeper into the WHY behind the HOW we learned. Stay tuned for a series of posts to continue this conversation.