Constructivist Math

Here is a link to a great video. It explains, in plain language and with examples, the “constructivist” math programs hindering our special education students (and many others).  Investigations Math, taught in our local public school system, was a disaster for both of my children but especially my son. I am now teaching my homeschooled son pre-algebra  in conjunction with mastering long division and fractions, and having great success with traditional methods. My daughter, who is in a private school, is being tutored after school so she can catch up. From the time they were in 4th grade they were bringing home work we could not understand or help them with and we have 3 degrees between us, two in engineering. I argued against these programs for years without success and they are still being used.

There is much disagreement about these programs and I know that some homeschooling parents use Everyday Math and consider it a success.  These programs have been anything but for us.

If you’d like to understand more – just watch the video.

MATH FACTS

Today’s subject is MATH. I am not a believer in the “constructivist” math often taught in the schools today and prevalent in New York State. It is not “real math”, it is “fuzzy math”. My children have been told that they can get wrong answers and still receive full credit for their effort. That doesn’t sit well with me and in the real world it is nonsense. A math problem has an answer and if you cannot get the correct answer each and every time your skill is useless. 

Constructivist math tends to be heavily dependent upon word problems. Math taught this way is terrible for children with a language disability. A child who is having difficulties with English should not be failing math simply because he cannot understand a convoluted  word problem.  I have seen state math tests, given in districts with large numbers of English language learners and low literacy parents, in which every single math problem is a word problem and it should be no surprise that scores are low.

 I believe in slowly building up skills and confidence and providing children with the advantage of knowing their “math facts”. Teach them the math FIRST and don’t make it into an English course.

Now, the end of my rant and the solution to the problem – SAXON MATH. I purchased the SAXON 7/6 HOMESCHOOL package for my son, who is lagging behind in math due to poor instruction. It teaches new skills while providing plenty of “mixed practice” so that skills learned are not forgotten. Each lesson provides a “warm up” of facts practice, a math lesson, and supplemental practice sheets. Regular short tests are given which enable immediate intervention. Saxon Math provides a combination of number problems and word problems but the word problems are simple and straightforward and not the main focus. My son is doing well and building up the confidence he needs. I should have done this years ago.

You can purchase the complete curriculum directly from Saxon. It includes the lesson book, an answer book, and a practice & test book. Used curriculums are frequently sold on Ebay and in homeschool forums but may not contain all three items. Be sure you check the contents.