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OAKLAND, CA–CORE (Consortium on Reaching Excellence in Education) has released a potentially controversial article “Students Want Interesting Math Over Real World Math”, bringing some cause for concern, as the article may upset those who focus solely on root practice or the belief that all math has to have “real world” application.
The 860 word article examines the high points and low points of engaging students in problem solving during math, in the pursuit of providing a glimpse into what students actually find relevant and motivating and to help math teachers create math situations that are the most engaging and interesting to their students for educators and those interested in learning more about best practices in education. In somewhat typical manner though, a certain element of the article is set to spark discontent amongst curriculum writers and fundamentalist educators.
Below is a portion of the piece, which neatly exemplifies the controversial element:
Fifteen years ago, a wise math teacher told me students are only problem-solving if the problem they are solving is one for which they do not already know the route to the answer and if students are interested in solving the problem. Without these conditions, it isn’t problem-solving for that student because either it is just practice or it is unimportant. Students are most engaged when they find math interesting. Real-world problems are no guarantee of interest or perceived relevance to students. However, real-world problems with a kick, unreal-world problems, and math challenges are usually interesting and engage students in solving non-routine problems. Interest generated by these problems makes the math relevant to the student at that moment and that relevance leads to greater learning.
A spokesperson for CORE, Dean Ballard, says “Of course CORE never sets out to intentionally upset anybody. The aim of our article is first and foremost to inform our readers of what has been found most motivating and engaging to students in order to promote and increase student learning. It is critical, however, that we stay dedicated to our true voice.
Although our “Students Want Interesting Math Over Real World Math” might unsettle those who focus solely on root practice or hold the belief that all math has to have “real world” application, our duty is to our readers. We believe it’s more important to keep our readers informed and provide facts that are going to help students learn more, than to please everyone. Which is notoriously difficult to do.”
Although there has been no backlash as of yet, the possibility exists as the article shows that root practice and “real world” problems are not always the most interesting or engaging to students and therefore may not promote the most student learning in the classroom.
CORE has been a provider of in depth articles in the Education market for five years.
CORE has stated the future aims for the website are to continue their work with Pre-K through 12th grade teachers and administrators to implement research-based reading, writing, language, and mathematics instruction.. So CORE hopes any controversy will pass quickly and re-emphasizes no offense is or was intended.
CORE’s complete article can be found at https://www.corelearn.com/interesting-math-blog/
Release ID: 305561