The best way a grandparent, family member, or friend can help a child with math is valuing math and showing a positive attitude. Sadly, about 50% of Americans are afflicted with a strong distaste for math. Unfortunately, developing math anxiety … [Read more...]
Dr. Cotter on Fractions
December 4, 2018 by 1 Comment
Fractions have a bad reputation in the world of arithmetic as being incomprehensible and unpredictable. Cartoons exploit this fear of fractions for amusement. Believe or not, it’s all a huge misunderstanding. Fractions are necessary and amazing. They … [Read more...]
Dr. Cotter on Division
November 27, 2018 by 2 Comments
Long division used to be considered the ultimate goal of arithmetic. An earlier division algorithm was so complicated it wasn’t taught until college. Even today some students learn a mnemonic in order to remember what to do next. One example is DMSB … [Read more...]
Dr. Cotter on Multiplication
November 13, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Multiplication has been the mathematical downfall of many children, not so much because of the algorithms, but memorizing the 100 facts. Before expecting the child to learn the facts, we need to teach the meaning of multiplication. Describing it as … [Read more...]
Dr. Cotter on Measurements
October 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment
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...]
Dr. Cotter on Problem Solving
October 16, 2018 by 3 Comments
A few years ago while on a shuttle to speak on math at a 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...]
