Nora Fleming
Web-Based Russian Math Curriculum Shows Positive Results
Education Week
Published Online March 14, 2011
Complete URL: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/03/17/25math.h30.html?tkn=LYVFW1ewTAhE74HqhBfx1pbdsU9G4Bwt81t3&cmp=clp-edweek?intc=TC11ENL
Reasoning Mind is an online-based math program modeled after a Russian math curriculum. The creator Alex Khachatryan, designed this program because of his dissatisfaction with the math curriculum his son was getting here in America. “To really learn math, it’s not enough to solve simple, routine problems,” Khachatryan says. Reasoning Mind is currently used in 165 schools.
The exciting thing is not that it is web-based or Russian, but that it appears to be successful – especially with economically disadvantaged students. “Across the board, results have shown improvements in state standardized-test scores, grade-appropriate math proficiency, and student attitudes toward math.” Students are on computers working on math problems that vary in objectives and difficulty – extreme differentiation. The teacher is able to monitor all students from his/her computer, and tailor small group interventions based on student need.
What are the cons? There is one giant obstacle schools face when implementing Reasoning Mind – COST. First, there is the cost of computers. Then, there is the per student cost charged by Reasoning Mind. Finally, there is the cost of professional development. Some would argue that you could increase class size, and thus save on teacher salary with the use of Reasoning Mind.
The intended audience for this article is all peoples involved in education.
This article is relevant because of educations test-centered mania. On a less negative note – it is also relevant because as educators we want to know about programs that are proving to help students – especially low SES students.
Interesting, I have experienced similar computer based training with varying success. For some subjects it works nice, especially as a self paced program but for other subjects, the input and questions from other students is just as valuable as the curriculum. Balance is good.
ReplyDeleteI heard about an applied physics (robotics) program at Hillsboro HS that sounded similar to this. I have not had the opportunity to visit yet.
I would be curious to at least see Reasoning Mind. I am fascinated by the many ways there are to teach math. The article we have to read for Ed Psych about Math in Japan makes me want to learn more. I loved the depth of the lesson. I wish I had a teacher who had spent more time going deeper with the concept instead of a quick whole class lesson and then lots of practice.
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