News Herald – Juliann Talkington
Does math seem mysterious, complicated and overwhelming? Did you or are you trying to squeak through high school with the minimum amount of math possible?
Recently there has been discussion about the need for US citizens to have a stronger understanding of mathematics. Is this really necessary?
To answer this question, it is helpful to understand what math is. According to Tony Chan, Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the National Science Foundation, math is the language used to understand the natural world. It is a simple way of describing patterns and structure. Without math it is very difficult to compare or analyze anything.
In the past, people could get by without math, because labor-intensive jobs were plentiful. As technology has advanced, workers have been replaced by machines. The number of labor-intensive jobs that require no analysis or decision making has dwindled.
According to David Bressoud, President of the Mathematical Association of America, many high school graduates are not prepared for the kind of jobs available in the workplace. Computers generate large amounts of data. As a result, most good jobs require decision making based on numbers.
For meaningful employment, math is critical. Sadly, according to the National Center for Education Statistics only about 13 percent of the US population is comfortable with quantitative analysis. In fact, a significant part of the population cannot handle basic mathematical operations like calculating the interest rate on a mortgage.
Mastering math is no different than learning to read or write. The difference is we are exposed to English all day, everyday from the day we are born. Math is something we work on for an hour or so each school day starting in kindergarten. By the time students reach high school little math is required. It is no surprise that many graduates struggle with quantitative analysis.
Unlike other disciplines, math is a sequential subject. A strong foundation in basic concepts is required to advance to higher levels. Unfortunately, elementary school teachers are not required to have strong math skills.
As a first step, we should insist that all elementary school math teachers have outstanding math abilities (arithmetic, algebra and geometry). Second, we should require a math course every semester from the time students enter kindergarten until the day they graduate from high school. Then, parents should stress the importance of math at home.
Finally, we should embrace math! It is essential for success in the 21st Century.