Why fuzzy math?

Last night I caught this piece on "math wars" on the evening news. Since I went to college for math and later for education, I was very interested in this segment. In the story, the reporter talks about the way math basics are being taught and mentions "traditional" and "fuzzy" methods.

One of people they show in the segment is in favor of fuzzy math, also known as reform math, or new-new math (figuring out approximate answers in non-traditional ways), saying that "the digital age is still coming." Maybe I'm showing my age, but what does that have to do with anything? Yes, calculators and computers can give you answers in a flash, but if you don't understand how to think and where the answers come from, how is that a good thing? What am I missing?

I know a lot of people hate math. Does making it fuzzy change that? Does it make math more appealing when you're finding "an" answer, rather than "the" answer?

Talk to me! ( Yes, you too, my teacher friends who are lurking here! I know you have opinions on this!)

Comments

[Sarcasmo]

I am not a teacher, but I see "fuzzy" math skills in play all the time. Some of the people at work hav such problems with simple math.They think I am a genius because I do it in my head. And, I let them think that.

[Bluegrass Mama]

I think this may be related to the fact that my 13 year old can be right in front of our great big (analog) wall clock and ask me what time it is.

Of course, when we were kids (well, when I was a kid, anyway), it was all about "new math." No one understood that, either.

[Marie]

Of course you ARE a genius, Sarcasmom!

BGM, isn't the clock thing about being 13? I have so much to look forward to!

[collegeroomie]

I'm not even sure what "reform math" is. I will have to do some reading. I understand and appreciate the need to be able to estimate at appropriate times on a daily basis. In my high school math classroom, however, my kids know that I am looking for the right answer AND how they got there. I do accept more than one correct way to get there - as long as they can show me their methods and that their methods would always work. I have found that there is always the one student who has been able to figure out all sorts of creative short cuts in their arithmetic and they are successful in those shortcuts - until they hit Algebra. They become the most frustrated Algebra students because they find that their shortcuts no longer work. They haven't learned the methodology behind the basics and struggle with math from Algebra onward.

Math continues to be the majority of students least favorite subject. (At least from what my kids tell me.)

[Marie]

Thanks for chiming in, Roomie! I've been doing some reading on this topic & have found others reporting exactly what you said. Skipping the basic methods leads to trouble down the road. You will always have a job, LP!!

[nat]

All I know is, the math books they use in the public schools here confuse the hell out of me and I have a tough time helping my kid with his math homework. I HATE FEELING STUPID with math and looking like a nitwit when I try to help!