subject: Why do we need to study math? [print this page] Why do we need to study math? Why do we need to study math?
Let's talk about a question that often arises from my students and, in my opinion, has some philosophical perception. Why do students need to study mathematics?
Mind is not the sum of knowledge, but ability to apply this knowledge to find the relationship between facts and events. It is real (though in some cases very difficult) to transmit a certain piece of knowledge to virtually anyone. It is incomparably more difficult at least slightly to develop the mind. I knew people who had two diplomas; however were examples of an uncouth stupidity.
It is the study of mathematics - one of the few ways to train, develop the mind. Comparison of different facts, the application of laws and rules, search for new, unexpected moves and decisions - all this develops thinking, creates additional connections between neurons of the brain, ultimately, improves the quality of the mind.
For example, one of the major reasons for low competitiveness of the economy of some countries is the inability and unwillingness of the majority of people to live by the law and not by lawlessness. Some people create idiotic laws, others ignore them. The saddest thing is that people begin to set laws of both nature and being at defiance. Mathematics formulates the fundamental laws and teaches to respect them. The laws of mathematics (as well as all the real laws of the universe) are absolutely objective and work independently of the desires of people. Two times two is four always, but not when it teacher wants it. If the teacher says one thing and studied law contradicts it, then you must ask and argue, and seek the truth. The school trains the child to ensure that the teacher is always right and can always cavil at something. This confuses children, creates a false belief that the correct response is not determined by the correctness of decision, but the lawlessness of the teacher.
On my lessons, I try to rectify this situation. If my students see any contradiction between my words and mathematical law, we will discuss it and remove the contradiction. When I correct a student, I will tell him what we correct: the real error, error in design or correct, but the ugly form of record. The same applies to comments to the school marks. Looking marked by teacher written test, I will point out the student, where he made a mistake, where didn't append an explanation because of laziness as or where a teacher simple caviled at him.
Thus, the study of mathematics (with a good teacher) teaches a student skill to operate under the law, not arbitrarily, and forms a separate, independent view of the world, teaches a responsible approach to problem solving based on knowledge rather than the opinion of the "boss".
