Why You Should Rethink Your Stance On Core Math | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why You Should Rethink Your Stance On Core Math

Core math is beneficial to our students as it develops critical thinking skills.

18
Why You Should Rethink Your Stance On Core Math

After completing my final core math concept course, I feel compelled to enlighten those opposing core curriculum, particularly math. There is an overwhelming number of individuals who feel core math is inefficient and tedious. While core math can be time consuming and frustrating, the overall purpose of core math is incredibly beneficial to students.

The purpose of core math is to build a strong understanding behind finding a solution to a problem rather than plugging numbers into a formula or completing a problem without understanding the purpose of its steps. Through using critical thinking in every math problem, students will learn to conceptually consider solutions to math problems rather than mindlessly following a math procedure that requires little thinking.

There is a misconception about core regarding the elimination of mechanisms such as the algorithm or other standard calculations. Students will still learn the algorithm as well as other formulas, but through core math, students are introduced to the discussed math concepts earlier in elementary school. Due to the students' understanding of each concept based on the core method, transferring from the "core way" to the "old way" takes significantly less time to teach. For example, first graders can be introduced to finding the mean of a number set using a core method known as leveling. Students are given a number set represented in blocks, the students are asked to "level" each stack of blocks, after each stack consists of the same amount of blocks, the student can identify the mean. When students enter fourth grade, they will easily transition into adding the number set and dividing by the amount of numbers within the set.

I recently taught a fifth grade class a lesson on using the algorithm to multiply three digit numbers. It was easy for the students to understand as they already knew how to carry, understood place value, and did not need an explanation as to why they had to place a zero underneath the first set of numbers. The reason students naturally grasped multiplication using the algorithm was due to their initial introduction to multiplication, addition, and subtraction using the chip model which includes moving chips from place value based on the math problem.

Despite your stance, It is crucial that teachers and parents resist speaking negatively of core. It can be a frustrating system to those who do not understand the approach or do not agree with the system. However, the negative discussions are adopted by children who begin to question their education, refuse to learn the material, and possibly become confused as two different individuals are teaching them alternate strategies.

Core math creates an effective and efficient approach to learning and teaching math. Before disagreeing with core math, consider learning the various math methods included in the curriculum, the purpose of the mechanisms, and the overall benefits.

Below I have included a link from Education Week that discusses the core curriculum:

http://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/common-core-state-...

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

17998
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7665
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5613
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4878
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments