Mathematical Goals


There are various ways of describing our goals and it is NOT obvious and it is worth taking some time to consider the question. Here are some possibilities.

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) has come up with a set of "standards" which describe what they think kids should learn in mathematics. It is probably worth having a look at their standards, if for no other reason than to become more aware of all the different aspects of mathematics that there are beyond "number crunching." The NCTM Standards are divided into two groups: process and arithmetic. Under process standards there are: (1) problem solving, (2) communication, (3) reasoning, and (4) connections. Under the arithmetic standards there are: (5) estimation, (6) number sense, (7) concepts of whole number operations, (8) whole number computation, (9) geometry and spatial sense, (10) measurement, (11) fractions and decimals, (12) patterns and relationships.

Others have described critical thinking goals (based on Blooms Taxonomy) such as: (1) learn information, (2) understand information, (3) use information, (4) analyze, criticize, draw conclusions, extend, sort take apart, compare and contrast, (5) connect information to other information and put it together in new and different ways, (6) evaluate, judge, recommend, reject results.

Others who emphasize creative thinking describe their goals as developing: (1) fluency (lots of ideas), (2) flexibility (adjust ideas), (3) originality (unusual new ideas), (4) extend (build on ideas, enlarge, expand), (5) experiment (explore ideas), (6) complex thinking (handle multiple ideas and organize into logical structure, (7) curious, (8) imagination (ability to envision possibilities).

Maybe the above can give you some food for thought as you consider what your own goals are for your children's mathematical learning.

Posted: Sun - October 12, 2003 at 06:01 PM      

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