Tag Archives: math
Dealing with the ‘Math is Hard’ Complaint
As a mathematics instructor I have heard this complaint more times then I like. We allow ourselves to be brainwashed by this belief. It has become so accepted that saying it is as common as “How are you?” “Fine.”
Math doesn’t have to be hard. It is a tool: the tool of science and economics; the tool of problem solving and the algorithmic approach to issues. One of the many beauties of the tool is, it has been around for thousands of years, and although we find and develop new aspects, it is largely unchanged. I approach teaching math by trying to show the students that what they are learning is all within their current knowledge. Continue reading
Assigning Appropriate Homework in Math Classes
What is the point of homework? I am currently covering a class that is reviewing for the semester final. They are distracted by life, as high school students often are, and are discussing math homework. One student described a system where the teacher rolls two dice. If the total is under 7, the teacher collects the homework. If the total is 7 or 11, all students get full credit. For all other totals, the teacher doesn’t collect the homework. His friend said that his math teacher just walks around and gives credit for completion. Continue reading
