Exactly- Why Study Math Reason 1

During my Principle Approach training, a debate about math ensued. Why require students to study higher mathematics if they will never use it? We finally agreed. It is a discipline that develops the mind.

Emily replied to that part of a comment I left at Principled Discovery,

That’s so spot on! I am frustrated with the ‘I’ll never use it in the real world’ argument. It just makes no sense…Our brain is a muscle that needs to be exercised and learning is the way to do it.

I appreciate her enthusiasm. When it is time to practice math facts with my son, my excitement wanes. Cards games and manipulatives help, but I already know the multiplication tables. To combat my grumbling, I return to my educational philosophy. Knowing why arithmetic is valuable inspires me.

A stated goal for the study of arithmetic is to “train the reasoning abilities.” Benjamin Greenleaf, 1862, is quoted in A Guide to American Christian Education for the Home and School,

‘One of the principal benefits of the study of mathematics is to teach the learner how to reason with elegance and exactness.’

Reasoning from one point to another. Seeing the rational answer. Working through mistakes. These are merits my children receive through the concrete ideas of arithmetic. They learn a much needed life skill: logical thinking. That is worth the effort.

Why Study Math: Reason 2, Reason 3, Reason 4