Math: Stop Faking It! Finally Understanding Science So You Can Teach It
Fri, May 02, 2008 2:14 PM
Stop Faking It! Math
Stop Faking It! is the ideal resource for teachers, parents, or for anyone who wants to get a better understanding of both some very fundamental and more advanced math concepts. The book is meant to give educators and others a deeper understanding of why we have certain math “rules” and procedures. Most of us, especially educators who do not have a subject-specific certification, have learned “rules” for many math procedures. We know what the rule is and that it works for a particular situation, but in many cases we don’t actually know where the rule came from or why it works. This book attempts to address the where, and why of math “rules”, particularly those that apply to:
• adding/subtracting/dividing/multiplying in base 10, base 5 and base 2
• finding equivalent fractions
• using common denominators when adding/subtracting fractions
• solving word problems
• using variables
• and much more!
The book is most beneficial if the reader follows the suggestions of the author and reads the entire chapter pertaining to a specific concept. In each chapter there is a short preview where the author suggests some activities that help to get the reader thinking about the concept. For example, when preparing to introduce the base 10, 5, and 2 number systems, the author “assigns” activities that have the reader separating blocks into groups of ten. Next comes the explanation, where the author introduces the concept and explains it, referencing the activities the reader has just completed. Most of us have experience with base 10, and so the author builds on our prior knowledge and then guides us to transfer that understanding to the procedure for using base 5 and base 2. The combination of carefully chosen pre-explanation activities and clear, concise explanations helps the reader to “get” the reason behind the “rule” or procedure. Following the explanations, the author gives a summary and suggestions for practice.
Stop Faking It! is not a large book, which makes it seem readable. The explanations are thorough, but not too wordy. There are many pictures and diagrams which help guide the reader very well. In this particular book, the author has included “guideposts”. Guideposts are reminders for the specific skill or concept being addressed. Their purpose is to help the reader stay focused on the task at hand. They are also helpful because they allow the reader to get a “preview” of what they are going to learn should they decide to purchase and read the book.
Judging by what I have learned about concepts I thought I understood, I can only imagine the benefit of reading about topics I know I don’t understand. Again, the idea is that the reader gains a deeper understanding so that they are able to better teach the concepts to their students or children.
Stop Faking It! Math is just one of 7 books in the series. The other six cover Science topics such as sound, force & motion, chemistry basics, electricity and magnetism, energy, and light. The series, put out by the NSTA (National Science Teachers Association) Press, has won many awards for its success in helping educators and parents in their quest to help their students and better understand concepts themselves.