Wednesday, June 30, 2010
GEOMETRY 101
After reading Chapter 10 in our book, and completing the homework and test I struggle with how often a person truly has to recall this information. I could figure out the concept given the formulas, but I can't imagine remembering the same formulas a year from now if I was given a geometry problem to solve. My question is this, do we equip students with the skills to memorize the formulas and equations for all types of geometry problems, or do we give them the resources to find the equations if need be. Maybe in some professions this is included in every day activities, but for me, I might use this information once a year, if that. My response is a bit skeptical, but I also want to be practical. Is it realistic to memorize formulas galore, or is more realistic to simply know how to solve the problem if necessary? Does anyone have any insight, or a different perspective?
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5 comments:
I really think the old saying, "use it or lose it" applies to remembering all these formulas. If we (teachers) can relate how important these formula's will be needed for our everyday lives, I think it will be easier to remember but I wonder if that is even possible for most students. Some examples of using geometry, would be inventing, carpentry, art, designers, and teaching, architecture. Like you said, it doesn't come up very often and for those who don't understand will refer to the professionals. While I think geometry is important, I think we should dig deeper than trying to teach so many different things that students will probably not remember the next year.
I think students are gaining a math background. I don't expect them to remember it a year from now. Down the road when they run into a problem that uses the same formula they can think back and at the very least be able to know what formula they should be looking for, or if they will be using it for a job they simply need to refresh or brush up instead of learning Geometry for the first time. Of course if the lessons are taught to them in a fun, interesting and meaningful way they will remain with them much longer.
I don't think it is useful for students to have to remember formulas either, at least not just memorize them. There are some common formulas that I think most people use and remember like area and perimeter, etc... However, unless you are in a profession that uses it every day it will not be a huge part of your life, although I think the fact of knowing shapes and how to measure something or build something is useful. However, I think it is more important for students to know how to do a problem and understand it than just memorize a problem.
I enjoyed your post Rachael. I completely agree that instead of concentrating on memorization of all geometric equations that we should give students a quality reference guide on where to find these types of equations. And also to familiarize them these equations to real life situations. These are great tools for future students. I know there is no way I will remember these equations without referring to a textbook or trustworthy websites.
You raise a very good topic. It is similar to the calculator controversy. As students we have all taken exams with and without calculators.
Are we preparing students for real world situations? In the real world we will more than likely have a calculator at our disposal. We should be teaching them how to use the tools that they have in their world.
If someone is going to need certain tools in their career or job to get something done. They come prepared. An accountant may have his formulas and tools by his side (by memory or reference) just as a carpenter keeps his tape measure or hammer on his belt.
These formulas are tools. It is more important to know how to use them vs. knowing what they are.
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