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For those who “learned” math through algorithms, we didn’t miss out on visual support; we missed out on the conceptual understanding of those algorithms. The math we “learned” was more memory and procedure than mathematical patterns and understanding. For example, in solving the multiplication problem, 312 x 23, parents might line the problem up and start multiplying from right to left. We were told that we had to include the 0 on the right under 936, but do you know why? Now, students are encouraged to break the problem down into hundreds, tens and ones. This newfangled way to do the math makes it more transparent where the answer, 7,176 and that mystery 0 come from.
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The complaints about “new math” instruction are that it is all visual, time-consuming, and difficult to understand for both parents and teachers. However, math is a process similar to reading – with nuance and layers of meaning. We place too much value on whether the end product is right or wrong and undervalue the process it takes to arrive at the answer. “New” math values the process, giving students strategies and connections to math that algorithms alone do not.
“New” math does this by:
- Providing visual reinforcement to concepts
- Laying the groundwork for more difficult concepts
- Communicating that large problems can be broken down into pieces and worked on piece by piece
- Pairing critical thinking activities with a strong emphasis on word problems where students can explain their reasoning to solve a problem (instead of “what is my formula?”)
- Creating a toolbox of different strategies to rely on, providing better preparation for real-world math
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Now that you know the benefits of “new” math, you may be asking “how do I use it to help my child with their math homework?” Despite what we’ve been told, any student can succeed in math given appropriate instruction and support, foundational math fluency is key.
Here are several ways you can help your child understand math:
- Point out math in everyday life & incorporate math talk (look for our next post on math talk in the coming weeks!)
- Incorporate math in conversation, i.e. in the grocery store or when reading a picture book (How many/how many more?)
- Avoid negative math attitudes (“I’m not a “math person…” There is no such thing as a “math person!” btw)
- Play board games & card games (research shows the effectiveness of both!)
- Break down math step-by-step with children
- Draw connections to familiar concepts (money, percentages, fractions are all connected!)
Resources:
Khan Academy offers math videos/tutorials that walk you through each step.
IXL Math and Virtual Nerd offer practice exercises with feedback.
“New” math examples with visuals: https://www.understood.org/…/9-new-math-problems-and.