People had been seeking simpler ways to perform calculations for centuries. Engineers, until the 1960s, used slide rules, a hand-operated mechanical calculator. It is one of the simplest analog computers which could perform multiplication, division, … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Technology
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Dr. Cotter on RightStart and Montessori
Most people have heard of Montessori, but often they are not sure what it’s all about. The word Montessori refers both to a person and a method of education. Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian physician and educator. She is also the … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on RightStart and Montessori
Dr. Cotter on Problem Solving
A few years ago while on a shuttle to speak at a math convention, I started talking to a young man next to me. When he found out I was involved in math, he said he could solve story problems as long as someone told him what operation to use. The … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Problem Solving
Dr. Cotter on Measurements
Measurement is an application of math that is an important part of everyday life. We measure length, area, volume, mass (weight), temperature, time, angles, and many other attributes. For more than simple comparisons, we need numbers and a basic … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Measurements
2023 Summer Game #11: Fraction of Twelve
My two youngest children were six and eight when I started schooling them together in RightStart™ Math Level B. About half way through Level D it became apparent that my older son was ready to “fly” while my younger son was ready to “camp.” When the … [Read more...] about 2023 Summer Game #11: Fraction of Twelve
2023 Summer Game #10: Mental Addition
One of the many aspects that drew me to RightStart™ Math was the idea of my children learning how to do mental math. Growing up, the whole idea of mental math was fascinating to me, but it was not encouraged. And, to be honest, I really doubted my … [Read more...] about 2023 Summer Game #10: Mental Addition