≈ elevated ≈ lofty
- Almost a hundred years ago, a pioneer in education wrote, “Mathematics depend upon the teacher... Few subjects are worse taught.”
Not much has changed! Her description rings true today for few enjoy the rarefied air of mathematics.
Mathematics — a mountainous land — an uninviting name
Students of mathematics are like climbers in a mountainous land. They claw their way up steep faces of rock and cross deep ravines. They stumble over boulders and flounder on false trails. Reason plods through dull exercises of mechanics and skills while Imagination seldom invites them to play. Students can hardly breathe in the rarefied air. If they reach the summit, they collapse, exhausted. Blind to majestic truths. Numb to the joy of discovery.
Teachers cycle through curricula and fads, dragging students on a difficult journey. Bureaucrats believe implementing standards will churn out useful workers. Politicians demand tests to prove the system works. We all know the truth. Teachers and students hate math. Very few enjoy the lofty views that mathematics afford.
A century after her death, Charlotte Mason still inspires educators. She thought that teachers, not textbooks and tests, can excite students about mathematics. First, we must find and explore captain ideas that quicken our own imagination. Then, we can pass them on to others.
I aim to explore captain ideas and share them with kindred spirits.
Come and join me!
I aim to explore captain ideas and share them with kindred spirits.
Come and join me!