Parlez-Vous Math?
When I tell people that my profession is math, people think I may be an accountant or an engineer. Let me get the record straight. Math is a language. It helps one express the reality around us. It is necessary in communicating – both the concrete and the abstract – to others who speak this language. It classifies, it qualifies, it quantifies; it explains.
I encourage students to develop fluency in mathematics. When learning French, knowing how to conjugate verbs of the third group at Passé Composé is commendable, but knowing how to engage in a conversation in a cafe in Paris is better. By the same token, reproducing on a quiz a method that Mr. Pintilie explained on the board is a sign of a conscientious student. But being capable of employing a variety of math skills in solving a problem one sees for the first time – that is a sign of math fluency.
Every year, many Crescent students write national and provincial math contests. Some contests are very difficult, while others are accessible for most students. Math teachers are always happy to provide details and to support the boys who choose to take part in these challenges.
Solving problems during math contests is the best tool to develop fluency. By the way, there is no such thing as “contest” math. There is only math: some problems the students have seen and drilled before; others that require them to dig into their math toolboxes and their reserves of patience and creativity. Students have nothing to lose when writing these papers – but much to gain, from sweet treats to learning how to get out of their comfort zone.
After each contest, I review the most interesting questions in class. This allows me to uncover areas of math that students have forgotten or never quite understood or, to my delight, to have students show me clever solutions that have not crossed my mind.
Crescent boys measure up in terms of math contest participation and excellent scores with the best of the best in the province and even the country. Crescent students obtain more than 150 certificates of distinction every year in math contests. Dozens of our students are mentioned on national honour rolls.
But, while accolades and distinctions are something to be proud of, what matters is that our students speak math fluently.
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Every year, many Crescent students write national and provincial math contests. Some contests are very difficult, while others are accessible for most students. Math teachers are always happy to provide details and to support the boys who choose to take part in these challenges.
Solving problems during math contests is the best tool to develop fluency. By the way, there is no such thing as “contest” math. There is only math: some problems the students have seen and drilled before; others that require them to dig into their math toolboxes and their reserves of patience and creativity. Students have nothing to lose when writing these papers – but much to gain, from sweet treats to learning how to get out of their comfort zone.
After each contest, I review the most interesting questions in class. This allows me to uncover areas of math that students have forgotten or never quite understood or, to my delight, to have students show me clever solutions that have not crossed my mind.
Crescent boys measure up in terms of math contest participation and excellent scores with the best of the best in the province and even the country. Crescent students obtain more than 150 certificates of distinction every year in math contests. Dozens of our students are mentioned on national honour rolls.
But, while accolades and distinctions are something to be proud of, what matters is that our students speak math fluently.
