InfiniteAnvil (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

It sounds like Everyday Math has a really good foundation in theory. I wish I'd had those extra zeroes; it explicates the theory while requiring minimum extra work.We learned the TERC method in my university (CS-hosted) Algorithms class as the "Russian method," and most in the class wished we had been taught that, instead of the arbitrary-seeming shortcut we learned in elementary school.Then again, in a class on algorithms, you're getting a lot of theory people and fewer practical people.

bunnykill100 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I loved this! I remember learning all these random methods, and constantly asking "but WHY?! I just want to know how to multiply them together!". I actually did rather poorly in math in elementary school because I didn't understand WHY I needed all of it. For math, you basically just need to know (for middle school):standard multiplicationmultiplication up to 12 x 12long divisionfractions (+, -, /, *)decimals (how to turn them into reg. numbers)This shouldn't be that hard :SThanks again!

Bellatrix22 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I learnt to use the standard algorithm and they taught us USING PLACE VALUES. It was more effiencent, easier to understand and we didn't waste "precious class time" drawing up boxes. I agree with wwleslie... there needs to be a balance with what they're teaching us. I've just finished year 11 Maths and I was disturbed at how many of my classmates haven't learnt long division in primary school. It make polynomial equations really hard for them. We "wasted" class time doing primary school work.

wwleslie (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

In countries that perform well on international math tests (mostly in Asia and Europe), they do not teach junk computation methods (like clustering and lattice for multiplication); their texts are more rigorous than anything we have, though. The problem with traditional American math texts is that they didn't teach students how to think (too much drill); the problem with the new texts (like TERC and Everyday Math) is that they don't teach students how to compute. Why can't we have both?

sw33tb0y77 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Ahaha poor kids are fucked.

AnimeFanOwns (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Wow she looks on her paper to much, if i do that on my oral I fail and get a D

rugaba (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I feel her pain, but unfortunately SHE IS DEAD WRONG. Math achievement has fallen significantly with respect to the rest of the world, and the countries who are dominating our kids are using methods similar to the TERC/Cluster. We must get on board with better math methods. Yes, it will be difficult at first, but more beneficial in the long run. She failed to demonstrate how much easier the TERC method is to use once you become proficient. Multi-digit multiplication becomes second nature.

TonganRock (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

This is outrageous I hope this is not being taught in my state of California..

silycaon (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

its because with a dumb public, people dont ask questions or think for themself

TheBonnieRose (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Oh My God . . . the "cluster" method is so confusing and seems like an enormous waste fo time. I am shocked and horrified that they are actually teaching that as an introduction to learning multiplication. I can see offering this kind of prob. solution a year AFTER mastery of basic algorythums, perhaps to strengthen logic centers in the brain, but, as a method for basic math . . . NO WAY! What a scam.