Sunday, 28 April 2013

The Nature of Math


Math is a theoretical and abstract concept.  It studies theorems and equations and solves them with proofs.  These theorems never change; they do not evolve,  as we find the proof to  particular mathematical ideas.  You cannot explain math as it is something you do, not see or touch.  It is represented by symbols and numbers and is driven by the desire to prove/understand mathematical laws and theories.  There is a complex relationship between working memory and math because it is a game of the mind and is thought from their within.  There are no social or ethical values to math, as it does not deal with the natural world.  It is connected to the real world through its application in science as a means of formulating relationships between things in the natural world. Thus, there needs to be a balance between teachers, students and parents to understand the different motivations and ways of thinking when teaching math, as it is not something that can be shown as itself through physical example.

No comments:

Post a Comment