Is Algebra Math You Can Use? Or a Path to Critical Thinking?
Then I got to the comments below the article. Sarah's readers are quite upset with her for not understanding that algebra is a path toward learning critical thinking. Of course, it is, and I'm guessing Sarah knows that too. It didn't help that she called her teachers liars. Ouch.
Sarah's critics have a good point, and so does she. They make a case for why students should study algebra, the strongest one being that we need future leaders who can think critically. Sarah is frustrated learning math, but that doesn't mean she isn't capable of critical thinking.
I think what we have here is a matter of learning styles, something lots of us seek to understand. What Sarah needs is not frustration or criticism, but a way to learn math that is meaningful to her. She may have to figure that out for herself, unless she and her teacher are willing to work together to find a method that works.
What do you think? Sound off.
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Comments
Actually, algebraic thinking begins in kindergarten when we show a student four cubes and ask her to show how many more to make six. She is identifying a missing quantity that helps complete “X + 4 + = 6.” Algebra is something that we use everyday without thinking about it such as when we need to calculate unknown quantities of something and variables that may affect that calculation. For example, one batch of cookies requires “X” number of eggs and averages “N” number of cookies of “S” size. Do we want cookies that are twice the size of “S?” Do we want twice the number of cookies (2N) at this larger size. What changes do we need to make in the ingredients. Algebra is an incredible support for critical thinking. Thanks for the delightful column.
Hi Alicia,
I’m so glad you shared such an ordinary, everyday use of algebra. I think sometimes the term itself is scary and we don’t even realize how we employ algebra. I love it.
The expression 2(l+w) may be used to fine the perimeter of a rectangle. What are the length and width of a rectangle if the area is 3.5 sq. units and the length of on side is 1/5 the measure of the perimeter?