In the teaching profession, the most asked question by students is “why do I have to know this?” Ancient people, famous books, and complicated mathematical formulas appear to be an archaic way keeping children busy at school. However, at Study Hut Tutoring we understand that while the concepts learned in such classes as Algebra and Geometry seem pointless, they are actually important pieces in a large puzzle that makes up a child’s education. Every lesson taught and every formula memorized plays an important role in a student’s future. A very simple example is that each individual mathematical concept builds on the one before it, in a process that prepares a students understanding for a college atmosphere (not just in math, but the sciences as well). But even more importantly, these concepts collectively teach a student important lessons like problem solving, rational thinking, and study habits.
Learning how to do mathematical proofs pushes a child’s brain in a way no other class does. It makes use of its desire to fix puzzles while teaching it complicated problem solving techniques. The use of formulas, such as the Quadradic Formula, and simple techniques, such as FOIL (First, Outer, Inner, Last, used in expanding polynomials) are taught as tools to be used to tackle problems. Their use actively developes a child’s problem solving ability that is used in every aspect of their daily life.
Logic, the most fundamental element of rational thought, is based on the same concepts that make up basic mathematics. The make-up and use of equations to discover correct numerical values is directly tied to our use of language to uncover meaning. This means that our ability to communicate and come to agreements is exercised through our use of math.
But most importantly of all, math class teaches good study habits; how to use homework as preemptive studying, and not simply busy-work. The repetitive use of learned formulas and techniques is imperitive to the learning of mathematical concepts, and is a good skill to use in other classes. While some may learn dates and important people without having to read them over and over again, the practice of reading about them in different ways, from different sources undoubtably sheds new light on their situation and better prepares the reader to write about them.
The learning of concepts like the Pythagorean Theorum or Cartesian Coordinates may seem out-of-date in a computer age, but I have shown that it is the process of their leaning that really gets the lesson across.
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