The abstract math classes and topics that secondary education students are required to study are often irrelevant to their future. In fact, rather than helping students achieve, abstract math classes tend to set them up for failure in their education. This occurs because even though many math skills may not be useful to students in their future careers, they are nevertheless required to master these skills in order to be accepted to their colleges of choice.
Students are taught abstract math that does not help their future.
Experts differ on potential solutions for closing the gap between secondary education math requirements and its potential real-life applications. Some argue that the math section of the SAT should be revised in order to have a lesser impact on a student’s overall score. Others insist that abstract math does have applications relevant for high school students, and that student learning and interest can be improved by emphasizing these applications.
The math game starts in elementary school and follows students to high school and beyond, yet only 10% of the workforce will use this abstract math in their chosen professions.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Math has been taught the same way for a very long time.
- Traditional mathematics can be done better.
- A modern approach to math can help educate students better.
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