Rote learning equals maths confusion
Times Education Supplement, Helen Ward, 20/07/12
An Oxford University study has found that teaching times tables by rote could have a detrimental effect if children do not also learn to think mathematically. Professor Peter Bryant of the Department of Education, who led the study, said: ‘Both arithmetic and maths reasoning are important and necessary, but we think there is a danger of maths reasoning moving out.’ His study showed strong maths reasoning aged eight was a better predictor of being good at the subject aged 11 and 14, than strong arithmetic skills.
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6263284
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Understanding maths ‘more important than learning by rote’
Daily Telegraph, p.8, Stephen Adams, 20/07/12
