Re: [MATHEDCC] Why Johnny can't read.

Martha Haehl (haehl@KCMETRO.CC.MO.US)
Tue, 26 Oct 1999 21:05:43 -0400

After reading all of the comments about in-context learning and we as math
teachers being abstract learners, I'm not sure I agree that most math
teachers are abstract learners. My experience with math teachers is that we
are very visual. I suspect the ability to "think abstractly" comes from
very early in-context learning where we measured to build, sew, or bake
things. We were then able to abstract the very concrete ideas. Our
students, indeed, have not had those same contextual experiences in this
ready-made world.

Martha

>
> This is the problem I felt was not being addressed in much of the
> discussion. Our students do not have the same experiences to connect the
> ideas. We must work very hard to help make the connections. Yes, they do
> not work very hard but why should they when so often it is simply a check
> mark to be made on a sheet of paper toward a degree or certification. We
> must do a much better job connect what we do the rest of the world. We
> used to do it every day, when mathematicians were also many other things.
> Our Mathematics history is full of people in the world and out of this
> world we need both as Mathematicians but the public may need something
else.
>
> Vern
>
>
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