Recently, many school districts in the United States have been debating whether elementary school math teachers should be teaching and stressing “the basics” or promoting an understanding of math concepts without memorization. As parents, we can’t help but ask, Why the debate? Can’t teachers teach both?
   The problem is that most mathematics textbooks use an approach that favors one or another; school districts choose a math text series that promotes their particular philosophy of instruction, one that is preferential to either basic, “old fashioned” skill instruction or “concept and application mathematics.” In most cases, the committees that decide on textbook purchases do understand that both memorization and concept development are extremely important in math learning. However, most educators believe that one, either memorization or concept learning, is just a little bit more important than the other. And textbooks are chosen based on that little bit more.
   But, you ask, which is actually more important for my child’s mathematics learning?
U.S. Department of Education studies show that high school students with strong math backgrounds are more likely to be successful in the job market. And memorization of facts and formulas is the foundation for successful performance on math tests in middle and high school. Further, academic success in middle and high school is essential for gaining entrance into a good college and continuing an advanced math education. Obviously memorization and basic fact recall are exceedingly important.
   Critical-thinking instruction in math, however, more effectively prepares students to take on higher-level math courses in college. Successful students understand what they are doing and why they are doing it. They have been instructed in basics and memorization AND have been encouraged to explore higher order thinking and discover significant mathematical concepts. Clearly, concepts and understanding are the cornerstones of advanced college mathematics.
   Most experts agree that successful mathematicians and math students can use their knowledge in a practical way, that is, they have the ability to apply a new concept in a non-textbook or classroom context. A valuable math education prepares students to use math in complex, real-world situations. An engineer and college graduate can use geometry and probability to design a fifty story glass tower. Can your son order enough pizzas so that each of his friends can have 4 slices? Can your daughter calculate the number of beads, strings and clasps she should buy for her dance class Christmas party?
Which teaching philosophy is actually more important for your child’s mathematics learning? We say.... too close for us to decide!