Re:Math Problems for children from 5 to 15 (2004) [pdf]
by sethammons on Monday July 19, 2021 @10:24PM
(#27889485)
This is a solid point and I'd like to color that with my step-mom's experience tutoring an adult (lower twenties) in math. After running into frustration starting with basic algebra and working backwards through some basic arithmetic, it was realized this student lacked some very basic number sense. Step-mom took the student outside and started with counting exercises. "How many tires are on this street right now?" It started off with guessing. After some work with basic number sense and counting, they were able to puck back up, go through arithmetic, and then back to algebra relatively quickly. The student went on to pass their college algebra class.
Math must be mastered in sequence. Not learned, mastered.
For example, a child must master addition before moving on to multiplication. Not just be able to do the problems. I mean be able to do them instantly without thinking. Only then can you move forward.
Otherwise the child is hung up on a part of the lesson that’s not supposed to take any time at all. And that least to frustration. Combined with the perverted modern western idea that it’s okay to not be able to learn math, it’s a vicious cycle downward.