Over the past several years, I have expanded my list of what is basic, and
I have altered my teaching, testing, and materials accordingly.
Here is my list for the basic knowledge and skills in "Basic" Mathematics class.
The student needs to be able to
Do simple pencil and paper computations of arithmetic involving whole
and decimal numbers, fractions, and signed numbers. (I include
in my definition of simple, such problems as 2/3 + 3/5
Estimate answers to arithmetic problems involving fractions and
"not-nice" numbers.
Skillfully use a scientific calculator to compute string arithmetic
opertions involving "not-nice" numbers.
Compute many variations of problems involving percentages and ratios.
Produce pie charts and bar charts.
Intrepret information from pie charts and bar charts.
Efficiently use formulas involving linear, square and cubic units and
recognize when those types of units are used in real life.
Use correct mathematical terminology and symbolism.
Be able to substitute values correctly into algebraic--whether the
numbers be "nice" and arithmetic is done by hand, or the numbers
are "not-nice" and the student must translate proper order of
operations to calculator use.
Be able to set up and solve simple algebraic formulas as they
relate to
ratios and percentages.
Getting into higher level skills, students need to:
Collect and analyze data.
Do multi-task problems, integrating many basic skills.
I'm working on a list of basic algebra skills. Along with pencil and paper
computations, will be graph interpretation and skillful use of a graphing
calculator.
In understanding slopes, I consider it basic to be able to look at a ramp
and estimate its slope.
Martha