Math problems/tests have never just graded on the correct answer in all of my years of schooling. Showing your work and doing that work properly was half if not more of the points given to the question.
@Kage: Your math equations are incorrect. (5-3) + 8 = 10, not 13. The process involved would be adding whatever number you need from 8 to get to 10 (2), and then subtracting that from 5 (gets you 3), which you would then add to 10. Looks more like 8 + (10-8) + (5-(10-8)) = 13. Your example with what cashiers do with counting change is rather a good one. But honestly, there is nothing "bad" about the problem in your linked image. Students are having trouble transitioning from raw memorization (a rather depthless "understanding") to the new method, which is both understandable and expected. The backlash has been unnecessarily exacerbated by adults who refuse to accept that maybe the way they learned things was not the best and are determined to keep their kids in the dark. It's honestly rather disturbing to me that a lot of the argument against Common Core standards boils down to, "I didn't need to know this, so neither does my kid." What a stagnant view of education! Education is a science, and as such the techniques used to deliver it will change over time - just as our understanding of the world changes over time. Everyone would be much better off if they accepted that fact.
Honestly, the guy with a BS in Electronics Engineering who couldn't understand that rather simple homework problem was likely suffering from his own stubbornness and preconceived notions of how things should work. I'm a teacher, so I don't really like calling people "stupid" (at least when it comes to how they understand things), but he was rather blind.
Might there be places to fine-tune the standards? Are there areas that need improvement? Certainly. Many schools are not providing teachers with adequate training to deliver instruction up to the new standards, which is a huge problem. If the teacher (who likely was not themselves instructed in this manner) can't deliver the content properly, then it's folly to think a student will be able to take it in. In order to ensure a successful transition, we must equip teachers with the proper tools - the lesson plans, specific methods, and alternative strategies (this is a BIG one). Schools where effort has gone to doing this have seen great success in elevating students' understanding and ability in the updated subjects.
I encourage you to read this article about how the math standards in the Common Core came to be; hopefully you find it enlightening.
@Kage: Your math equations are incorrect. (5-3) + 8 = 10, not 13. The process involved would be adding whatever number you need from 8 to get to 10 (2), and then subtracting that from 5 (gets you 3), which you would then add to 10. Looks more like 8 + (10-8) + (5-(10-8)) = 13. Your example with what cashiers do with counting change is rather a good one. But honestly, there is nothing "bad" about the problem in your linked image. Students are having trouble transitioning from raw memorization (a rather depthless "understanding") to the new method, which is both understandable and expected. The backlash has been unnecessarily exacerbated by adults who refuse to accept that maybe the way they learned things was not the best and are determined to keep their kids in the dark. It's honestly rather disturbing to me that a lot of the argument against Common Core standards boils down to, "I didn't need to know this, so neither does my kid." What a stagnant view of education! Education is a science, and as such the techniques used to deliver it will change over time - just as our understanding of the world changes over time. Everyone would be much better off if they accepted that fact.
Honestly, the guy with a BS in Electronics Engineering who couldn't understand that rather simple homework problem was likely suffering from his own stubbornness and preconceived notions of how things should work. I'm a teacher, so I don't really like calling people "stupid" (at least when it comes to how they understand things), but he was rather blind.
Might there be places to fine-tune the standards? Are there areas that need improvement? Certainly. Many schools are not providing teachers with adequate training to deliver instruction up to the new standards, which is a huge problem. If the teacher (who likely was not themselves instructed in this manner) can't deliver the content properly, then it's folly to think a student will be able to take it in. In order to ensure a successful transition, we must equip teachers with the proper tools - the lesson plans, specific methods, and alternative strategies (this is a BIG one). Schools where effort has gone to doing this have seen great success in elevating students' understanding and ability in the updated subjects.
I encourage you to read this article about how the math standards in the Common Core came to be; hopefully you find it enlightening.
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