Mathematics Miseducation: The Case Against a Tired Tradition

by Derek Stolp

Author and veteran teacher Derek Stolp has come to the conclusion that learning mathematics is of no real consequence for the vast majority of our children. This stance flies in the face of the conventional wisdom held among political leaders, business people, teachers, and parents that mathematics is an essential subject for all children to study well into their high school years. In Mathematics Miseducation , Stolp argues that mathematics, as currently taught, does not justify inclusion in the curriculum and he suggests practical changes that can be implemented within a traditional school environment to resuscitate mathematics education.

In this book, the author demonstrates that our beliefs about what children need and what motivates them to learn promote practices that are counterproductive, and that these practices ultimately corrupt students' own healthy motivations. Stolp contends that there is too much emphasis upon academics in our schools, and that other important dimensions of education, such as the social, emotional, and moral development of our children, are ignored.

Includes:
·Progressive and practical alternatives to the traditional methods of teaching
·Research and examples citing ways of bringing the discipline to life

In seamlessly weaving theory and practice, Derek Stolp provides a narrative that is accessible to any adult concerned about what our children are learning in mathematics.

Genres: Education, Mathematics

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[David Wees · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an excellent description of why mathematics education has to change. It had some practical examples of what educators could do to change their own mathematics instruction, and built off of the arguments of other educators. I recommend reading this book if you are a mathematics educator, and you'd either like arguments to justify your progressive, constructivist practice, or you are interested in moving toward that kind of practice and need some examples of what constructivist mathematics education looks like.

[Jerry Heverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on teaching math I've ever read.

[Grace O'Keeffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books about mathematics education, and education at large. Well done Stolp.

[Joelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I was kind of getting into it, I had to take it back to the library and turn it in.