Nationwide, our schools are diligently trying to make our students more adept and capable of competing with the world's best at whatever career path they choose. This starts with knowing the basic skills and being able to apply them early and often. Reading, writing and of course arithmetic.
There appears to be a problem with the arithmetic portion. Controversy exists in the form of common core.
Common core is when you break down certain math problems and concepts, most notably addition and subtraction, in order to help the student understand the concept better. It appears to be complicating matters in a number of cases.
This method is fighting its way to becoming the norm in many school systems. The solution (no pun intended) may not be in this method. It typically comes from using the tried and true methods of practice, practice, and more practice. And obviously the ability of the teacher plays a huge factor in whichever method you choose.
I remember I struggled with subtracting large numbers and even long division until I received proper instruction on how to do it and retain it. Therefore, ensure your teachers are up for the task.
Next, determine what type of students you have and how they learn the best. Realize that all children do not retain information the same. Some of them are very advanced in numbers, some remedial, and some are right in the middle. You teach basic skills in a basic matter before reverting to common core or any new and unproven method.
Therefore, common core is perhaps best in private tutoring sessions as a last-ditch effort to get the students to retain and get the material.
Either way, something has to be done. Many adults, mostly because of calculators, are incapable of basic math and order of operations. We don't need to confuse the younger generation any further.
What are your thoughts on common core? Do you think it should be given a chance?
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