Blog Entry #5 — Students Learning without Algorithms

Writing: In this paper, Warrington describes how her students learn how to divide fractions without first being taught the invert and multiply rule. Write two paragraphs in response to this paper.

Paragraph 1: Describe the advantages of teaching mathematics without telling the students the procedures or even the right answers. For each advantage, refer to a specific event in the paper that illustrates that advantage. Note that it is appropriate not only to include the advantages that Warrington identifies, but also any additional advantages you notice.

Paragraph 2: Describe the disadvantages of teaching mathematics without telling the students the procedures or even the right answers. If there is evidence in the paper that illustrates a particular disadvantage, use that to support your argument. Be sure to explain the disadvantages in enough detail so that your readers can understand what the disadvantage is.

As always, follow the guidelines for good academic writing (topic sentences, scholarly tone, proofreading, etc.)

Commenting: Visit three blogs. For each blog, read the entry and then leave a comment. Your comment should include at least the following:

1. Something that you and the author both agree about, and why you agree with the author.
2. Some area in which you think differently from the author and why. This may either be a point the author makes that you disagree with, or an additional point that you think is important but is not included in the author's entry. Make sure that you respond respectfully by hedging and using "I" messages.

Due Dates: Entry due at the beginning of class on February 17; comments due at the beginning of class on February 19.