Do you remember spending hours learning your addition and multiplication facts. At the time you probability wondered why you mom or dad were making you do it - now you know why. You are the parent now and it is time for your own children to learn those annoying facts - the big question is why.
For the past few years it has been felt that students do not need to memorize their math facts. The logic behind this thinking is that since calculators, computers and cash registers are such an everyday part of our lives we have the tools to do the work and therefore do not need to memorize those pesky facts.
It is felt that by developing a student’s thinking and problem solving skills they will be able to solve any multiplication questions that they come upon. While this logic is sound and developing an individual’s thinking and problem solving skills are important, in reality the logic for not having to memorize your math facts does not stand up for the following reasons.
1. New math skills
Higher level math concepts are build on the foundations of the addition and multiplication facts. Knowing these facts makes understanding and accomplishing these new concepts much easier. Examples of concepts built on the math facts would be equivalent fractions, addition, subtraction of fractions and factoring and much more. Without knowing these facts it is difficult to processed.
While it is relatively easy to understand the concept of equivalent fractions, it is difficult to easily conquer this skill without knowing the multiplication facts really well. A calculator can not help students see the relationship between the denominators and what has to be done to make one denominator the same as the other.
2. Makes math easier and faster
If a student knows their math facts it is easier for them to solves problems easier, without always having to solve the problem from scratch.
3.Confidence.
Any time we successfully develop a new skill, it makes us feel good about ourselves and therefore increases a person’s self confidence.
4. In our daily lives.
We use our math facts in our daily lives, whether it is from balancing our books, counting stock at a part time job, or figuring our exactly how much flooring we need, it is a life skill we all need, not just to pass school.
5. Greater mathematical understanding.
The more we use numbers the greater an understanding we have of numbers and therefore the better we are at math.
6. Accuracy when using a calculator
If we do not know our multiplication facts, how can we be sure that we have keyed in the numbers accurately and therefore have the right answer.
7. Sometimes you just have to
Calculators are not always available and secondly not always allowed. First year math classes in university do not always allow for calculators. How many times have you run into the cashier who struggles making change because they do not know their facts, and they have punched in the wrong amount of money you have given them or because the power has gone out.
8. Strengthens your brain
It has been scientifically shown that the more you use your brain the stronger it becomes, learning your math facts helps to challenge your brain. Math fact games are part of any Brain Age games put out by Nintendo.
Once the concept of multiplication is understood it simply takes practice to learn the facts. There is no arguing it can be boring but it needs to be done, playing games and using flash cards at least makes it a bit of fun.
Help your child get a step up in math, and increased confidence by helping them learn their facts, not only those multiplication facts but also addition, subtraction and division facts.
No comments:
Post a Comment