Better Ways to Teach Math

John Mighton and his Jump program

Part 1
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/18/a-better-way-to-teach-math/

Part 2
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/teaching-math-advanced-discussion/

A Chicago parent (32.) wrote: “On a personal level, I cringe when I hear once again that all students are equally capable.” But that’s not the claim here. “What the data suggest is that we can raise the levels of achievement for virtually everyone, so that those differences won’t matter much,” says Mighton. “And children will at least have a choice about whether they want to pursue math or subjects involving math.”
In life, many factors determine success. Whether a scientist will make a profound discovery is not just due to sheer quickness of mind. “Passion, diligence, a willingness to ask unconventional questions, a sense of beauty, and luck — these are all equally important,” adds Mighton. “The point is that if children are all investigators, they are all participating in a beautiful game. As long as they are all contributing, what does it matter if some people are contributing more than others?”