PRACTICAL SIDE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 112, 15 May 1939, Page 16

PRACTICAL SIDE

NEW/SYSTEM OF TEACHING

(From "The Post's" Representative.) NEW YORK, March 15. Breaking away from the traditional method oi teaching mathematics the STenty-five junior high schools, and S be expanded to the entire system next autumn. Instead of using vague XmbX and "text-book" illustrations tte students in the early stages will get examples taken from every-day life The syllabus provides that each student be treated as an individual, and the work adjusted to meet his needs and geared to his level. The problems in the modernised course, it is said, should come within the experience and interest of the pupil. At the present stage of experimentation, the informal geometry in the lower grades will not include formal proofs. Much of the geometry in this period is to be "essentially the geometry of every-day life." Teachers are warned to avoid excessive use of the blackboard, and to allow pupils to make their own diagrams and models. Geometric forms can be found in the pictures and models of the early shelters of primitive peoples, the report points out, referring to such, subjects as the tepee, wigwam, igloo, lean-to, and square houses.

The objectives of the new course, it is said, are to develop ability to interpret and master the simple mathematical situations met by the average person at home or in business, and to understand, the importance of graphic representation in every-day life. It is also hoped that the pupils will develop independence of thought and the habit of verifying conclusions.