This article is a response to another article that was published in the print edition of the Los Angeles Times. The published article, “Why you should learn algebra”, was written by an English professor, David Eggenschwiler. Dr. Eggenschwiler's article was addressed to the Times readers' complaints about the usefulness and necessity of algebra in high school curriculum.
In Dr. Whiteley's response, he notes how algebra is associated with mathematics. The notion that studying algebra fosters rational, abstract, and systematic ways of thinking, reduces the significance of other equally important areas, specifically geometry, of mathematics. Several prominent figures, like Michael Faraday and James Clerk Maxwell, used alternative approaches to provide effective reasons for their pioneering work.
Dr. Whitely seems to suggest that exclusive promotion of traditional views on learning mathematics may be counter-productive. This could be because of potential talents and worthwhile contributions, from learners who excel through alternative ways of doing or understanding mathematics, may go unrecognised or disregarded.
In Dr. Whiteley's response, he notes how algebra is associated with mathematics. The notion that studying algebra fosters rational, abstract, and systematic ways of thinking, reduces the significance of other equally important areas, specifically geometry, of mathematics. Several prominent figures, like Michael Faraday and James Clerk Maxwell, used alternative approaches to provide effective reasons for their pioneering work.
Dr. Whitely seems to suggest that exclusive promotion of traditional views on learning mathematics may be counter-productive. This could be because of potential talents and worthwhile contributions, from learners who excel through alternative ways of doing or understanding mathematics, may go unrecognised or disregarded.
Dr. Whitely's inclusion of other learners I believe is imperative. By including many areas of studies in mathematics and including other integrated subject areas, we are then in turn creating entry points for many other learners. I believe making mathematics accessible for all is important, and I think if we expand our views we are more able to do so. I love the point above where you state " potential talents and worthwhile contributions, from learners who excel through alternative ways of doing of understanding mathematics, may go unrecognized or disregarded." Too often do we lose mathematics students purely because they do not represent their thinking the 'expected' way.
ReplyDeletePhilippa, I completely agree. I actually just finished editing Jubilee's paper on Ethnomathematics, in which she praises its ability to open the door for learners from many cultural backgrounds to engage in mathematics that is meaningful to them. Dr Whitely's suggestion that maintaining traditional views on learning mathematics may be counter productive seems to go hand-in-hand with this. Traditional mathematics is Euro-centric and calculation-based which can certainly, as you said Murugan, cause students who learn through alternative methods to go unnoticed, or to be underprivileged.
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