[MATHEDCC] Re: The True Value of Innovation
Al Roy (aroy@BRISTOL.MASS.EDU)
Fri, 25 Apr 1997 09:48:33 -0400 (EDT)
Hi All,
I am still mourning the passing of the "New Math" of the early 60's.
Many innovations have come and gone since that time. What has been
the value of all the attempts to improve mathematics education over these
many years? In my opinion the most important benefit of all the "Reforms"
that I have seen is their effect on teachers. They serve to keep us alive
professionally. They give us hope that there may be a better way. They
convince us as long as they last that things will be better tomorrow.
They give us an infusion of enthusiasm and vigor that ends up benefitting
our students. They delude us into thinking that the latest innovation is
the best. They give us something to talk to each other about. They give
our professional associations a reason for being.
T.S. Eliot may have had us in mind when he
wrote in "Little Gidding"
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploration
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
Keep the Faith,
Al Roy
>
>
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