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
RightStart Mathematics
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
RightStart™ Manipulatives
What’s so special about the manipulatives used for the RightStart™ Mathematics program? Let’s run through the list. NOT AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE: Cotter AL Abacus: This abacus has 100 beads and is grouped in 5s and 10s using color. It is different from … [Read more...] about RightStart™ Manipulatives
Dr. Cotter on Teaching Math
I’d like to take some time to discuss the science and art of teaching math. I call it a science because much research has been done into how children learn in general and especially math. I call it an art because each child is different, requiring … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Teaching Math
Dr. Cotter on Math Anxiety
Math anxiety can be thought of as a learned fear of numbers or anything to do with math. It results in feelings of tension and fear at the sight of numbers or math symbols, causing poor performance in math, especially on tests. Sadly, in the U.S., … [Read more...] about Dr. Cotter on Math Anxiety
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