The Problems-First Method of Teaching Math
Please visit my new website on this topic, at http://teachingmath.info. Links at left lead to that website.
My way of teaching math works: My students learn math concepts and problem-solving skills, they enjoy learning, and I enjoy teaching.
My Method
I give my students (carefully chosen) problems. I do not first explain how to solve the problem. They learn while solving the problem. If they don't solve the problem, I might give a hint, but usually I just find an easier problem.
I also ask questions.
Underlying Theory
Most people believe that memory is the only type of learning/knowledge. If you teach math in a way suited to teaching memory (and almost everyone does), you will fail.
The "Theory" portion of this website explains how human beings learn, and how to effectively learn and teach.
My Math Problems
I have had to develop my own problems. Steal my problems, please.
Using this Method
Things I have learned while teaching math this way include:
- Basic concepts of mathematics
- Making the problem-solving milieu in mathematics like the problem-solving milieu in surfing or skiing
- Teaching math to students who like to think but are likely (at first) to be turned off by numbers. This can also be called "using math as an excuse for teaching people to think" or "getting them in the habit of thinking before they hit the numbers".
| Ashley (third-grader, first doing my problems): "These problems really make you think." |
| Ashley (a little later): "Mr. Frick, how did you think of these problems?" |
| Me (joking): "I was sitting around one day figuring out how to torture children, and I thought of these problems." |
| Ashley (ponderous): "That's not right, Mr. Frick. The students of today will be the leaders of tomorrow." |
| Me: (off-handedly)"Then they need to learn how to think." |
| Ashley (sing-song): "Never mind."
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