Why we Learn Math in School?

Common Understanding of Why We Learn Math in School?

Math educators may have many opinions about the purpose of learning math in school. But if you ask common citizens, their answer is likely to be related to numbers & calculations only. There are several reasons for this state of affairs.

First is that the school curriculum, classroom teaching and the various examinations mostly focus on memorization of facts & rules and on testing how well we have mastered the various computations with numbers.

This in turn is related to the continuing Indian tradition, right from the Vedic times, which has always looked at math as an applied science, used mainly for constructing ritual altars (Geometry) & for understanding the movement of celestial bodies (Astronomy). Ganita was part of Jyotisha.

Second is that for most of us, the only math that we use in our daily lives, after school, is understanding some types of numbers and performing calculations with it.

Transformation of Math

Math developed in all cultures with ideas about numbers and calculations. In the last few centuries, math has developed into so many new areas that today, no mathematician can say that s/he understands all areas of math. Along with this, an insight developed that math is very suitable for training in logical thinking. In fact, that is one of the reasons why math finds a place at all levels of schooling all over the world.

Today's world is also changing rapidly. There is increasing pressure from the economy for training more humans in critical & logical thinking & problem solving skills. Increasing computerization & digitalization are transforming economies into knowledge economies, where there is a premium on persons who are able to deal effectively with knowledge, data and ideas.

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We will study this issue in detail later in a separate chapter.

Nature of Math

Math is a concept-laden discipline. Concepts are abstract ideas. A lot of mental effort is needed to understand & work with abstract concepts. This improves our ability to think logically & systematically, which in turn improves our ability to handle complex issues & tasks. It develops “tolerance for frustration” and “delaying gratification”. Math helps us to keep on track even if the path ahead is not clear.

In his book, “Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery & Invention”, psychologist Mihali Csikzentmihalyi (pronounced Chick-sent-me-hi) says that humans are genetically inclined to get satisfaction & pleasure from discovery & creativity, since our very survival depends on these. He also says that if the environment is not conducive, these inclinations would not develop to their full potential.

Hence it is actually an evolutionary mandate to us that we teach thinking skills effectively to children. The best place to do that is in our schools. There is no subject better suited for developing these skills, right through the K-12 stages of school education, than math.

Repeated engagement with mathematical problems, especially those that challenge the status quo of one’s understanding, could, in theory, reinforce neural pathways and potentially lead to heightened synaptic plasticity.

Neuroscience research is proving that repeated engagement with mathematical problems, especially those that challenge the status quo of one’s understanding, could, in theory, reinforce neural pathways and potentially lead to heightened synaptic plasticity.

But all these perspectives are yet to percolate fully into schools. Our schools are way behind in delivering the kind of math-related skills which are needed right today.

What is it that makes math eminently suited for this purpose?