Traditional Math or Conceptual Math: Which works best

CONCEPTUAL MATHEMATICS

Traditional math Vs Conceptual math

Abstract

Making conceptual mathematics a tool for dealing with the gender disparity issue in mathematics and math related careers . Traditional method of learning or teaching math has contributed to the gap between males and females . The best way to deal with this problelm is to find out alternative methods of teaching or learning mathematics that can be used to bridge the gender gap . inclusive and conceptual math would give students room to explore and to be creative with math as opposed to traditional

math . This project focuses on the ways in which a school or any learning institution can bridge the gender gap . The model to be used is Participatory Action Research . The project highlights how the causes of the gap can be identified from a particular institution of learning and interventionary measures implemented to correct the problem

Traditional math Vs conceptual math

It has been said by many reform mathematicians that the traditional math instruction is less effective compared to the alternative and modern methods for instructing mathematics

I agree with them emphasizes working step by step as instructed without necessarily understanding how this steps are arrived at sometimes . It is more of memorization than real understanding of the math being worked out

This is confirmed in both Wiggins , Educative Assessment and Bransford 's How People Learn , but it is important for students to understand , rather than just memorize . Students ought to given a leeway in solving mathematical problems in their own way . this will give room for creativity and make the student more involved . this results in giving the student leadership role in bringing change in many aspects Traditional mathematics fails to present math as a creative or enjoyable subject

It has been found that only a small percentage of students achieve the highest levels of mathematics achievement . this could be because most students have taken mathematics to be a very boring subject which no one wants to spend their life time doing or even involved with

Many students in the United States use calculators to work out problems without understanding the math involved . In as much as use of calculator is essential in this modern era of technology , it is important for the student to understand what he /she is computing with the calculator . The conceptual understanding must coexist with computational skills , so that room for more discovery and exploration can be created

Mathematics educators , such as Alan Schoenfeld , questions whether traditional mathematics actually teaches mathematics as understood by professional mathematicians and other experts . Instead , Schoenfeld implies , students come to perceive mathematics as a list of disconnected rules that must be memorized and parroted

Research suggests that certain approaches to traditional mathematics instruction does not give students chance for discovery . On the other hand , conceptual mathematics creates self awareness and the awareness of the world around . A student will ask him /herself what am I good at ? How do I learn ? How do I figure things out ? What things confuse...