It isn't due to a lack of understanding, but due to a lack of memorizing Math processes. This is caused by insufficient time to practice, an increase of information at younger ages, and no new tools or techniques to understand so much information. Repetition builds memory, however students are not given the time/opportunity to build the Math memory needed to master the many Math skills. The result is students and adults fear, dislike and never understand math.
Math Reminders was created for a unique purpose. It is modeled after the techniques used in teaching reading. Learning to read, understand vocabulary and write is accomplished with alot of repetition. Students are encouraged to use a dictionary for definitions, correct spelling and word usage.
Math Reminders is the math dictionary. Math Reminders is not flash cards, it is not a game, it is not why or how math works. Math Reminders is a concise reminder of how to complete a particular math process which has been forgotten or has not yet been committed to memory.
For example: a student may be working on a complex algebra problem and the next step is to add fractions. However, the student has forgotten that process. A quick look at Math Reminders' fraction section will show the student the step by step process for adding fractions. The student is able to complete the algebra problem while Math memory is being built, confidence increases and the student becomes more independent.
Math Reminders are extremely helpful when doing homework or completing class work. When a skill is introduced in class, most of the time the student understands the process. By the time the student works independently in class or begins homework the process is forgotten and/or the work requires previous learned operations. When Math Reminders are used to complete the assignment,Math memory improves, self-confidence increases and an independence student is created.
Adults use Math Reminders while helping children with homework but also when competing basic calculations needed in everyday life. Most people have forgotten basic Math and Math Reminders is the quick way to remind everyone of Math skills long forgotten.
Those who remember telephones before we all had cell phones, can relate to the theory behind Math Reminders. Landlines required the user to physically look up and dial each number. Eventually phone users memorized the most used phone numbers. Why, because after looking up a number and dialing it over and over again, the number was committed to memory.
Because we do not look up and dial phone numbers, we have no phone numbers committed to memory. Math Reminders force the student look up processes, use the process and eventually the process is committed to memory. Math Reminders increase one's understanding of how numbers work together and how the math processes are all connected. The result is increase in confidence, independence students and better math scores.
Students with learning disabilities benefit greatly by using Math Reminders. Struggling students rarely ask questions and are at greater risk of falling behind in school. If it is not only accepted, but if students are encouraged to look up processes, then the learning-disabled student can find the answers to many questions and confusing processes without drawing attention to their difficulties.
Math Reminders was created by a teacher who found herself constantly reteaching many math processes. When students would ask questions about previously mastered processes, she would make them use the Math Reminders. They argued and wanted her to just tell them how to do the processes but she forced them to find the answers themselves. The result was independent, confident students with higher math scores.
If educators insist on teaching more and more complex skills with less time for practice we must give them a tool to build math memory, Math Reminders is the tool! Math Reminders is the Math dictionary.
