Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

Why is common core math better?

I honestly want to know. My oldest was in grade school when it started. I’ve been through all three of my kids now and it’s still baffling to me.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nlfa5v3ullg]

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

SarahAndSamantha · 46-50, F

I honestly don't know a lot about it, but from what little I do, it seems to be more about teaching techniques to get an answer rather than just "here, memorize these times tables."

I remember when I was learning multiplication, that was literally all we got. Just memorization. They never taught me WHY 5 x 5 was 25. I even asked my teacher. Her answer was "It just is". Luckily, I figured it out myself.

So, in simpler terms, they're learning more about the actual math?

MethDozer · M

@SarahAndSamantha Memorization is better. Through it the patterns start to emerge and be understood. With the off the cuff ability to just recall the answers through memorized multiplication tables.
This common core crap just slows kids down and never gives them that valuable tool. It's backwards teaching and learning.

SarahAndSamantha · 46-50, F

@MethDozer Memorization is easier and quicker, sure. But learning the 'why' is important too.

I watched one video of common core once, and quickly realized that at least in that example, they were teaching, in essence, how to count back change. Not the greatest tool to have, but it can come in handy.

That's when i clicked with me. It's about teaching the easy techniques so it's easier in the future to learn the more advanced math techniques.

Slow down the easy stuff to speed up the harder stuff.

MethDozer · M

@SarahAndSamantha IT doesn't teach the easier techniques. Well they still do, but they frown on them and gloss over them.

The results after years have spoken as well. Students are even worse than when Common core was implemented . Scores have been going down.

We were taught exactly what was going on what the numbers were doing while being taught standard algorithm.

SarahAndSamantha · 46-50, F

@MethDozer Don't get me wrong, I think a balance between the two would be ideal. Teach the memorization and the easy way, but also teach the 'why'. If I had been taught the why instead of just left to figure it out, I would've learned it a lot quicker.

MethDozer · M

@SarahAndSamantha It isn't like standard algorithm is about memorization. The only wrote learning involved math was the times table with was taught a long with the proper standard algorithm for multiplication.

From.my understanding from.talking to teachers and educators the whole e point of common core math was to try and teach it to the bottom 2% of students who couldn't grasp the basic concepts. At the cost of the kids with pliable minds. It was about try to teach that one dummy we had in class who couldn't grasp anything.