People I (Mostly) Admire 42. America’s Math Curriculum Doesn’t Add Up
Aug 28, 2021
David Coleman, CEO of the College Board and a key architect of Common Core, teams up with Daphne Marchenko, a data analysis expert from the University of Chicago, to tackle the shortcomings of America's high school math curriculum. They discuss outdated teaching methods that fail to prepare students for today's data-driven world. Emphasizing data fluency over traditional topics, they advocate for innovative approaches that make math relevant and engaging. Their insights challenge the status quo and propose a revitalized education framework for future success.
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Levitt's Math Homework Frustration
- Steve Levitt expresses frustration with his children's math homework, like rationalizing denominators and finding imaginary zeros.
- He questions the real-world relevance and practicality of such concepts.
The Geometry Sandwich
- Jo Boaler criticizes the traditional "geometry sandwich" (algebra-geometry-algebra) in American math curricula.
- She advocates for a curriculum reflecting real mathematics and the 21st century.
Calculators vs. Creative Thinking
- Jo Boaler points out the irony of teaching manual calculations in the age of ubiquitous calculators.
- She emphasizes the need to shift focus towards creative, flexible thinking, which computers can't replicate.