by Lance T. Izumi, Fellow in California Studies
Pacific Research Institute
December 12, 2000

Announcer lead: Time for Perspectives. Lance Izumi says that teaching methods are a key factor in children's math achievement.

Last week, a new study showed that students from countries across the world outperformed U.S. students in science and mathematics. Our students were outperformed not only by the Japanese, but by the Bulgarians as well. More important, the study pointed to possible reasons for the underperformance of American students.

For example, American math and science teachers were less likely to have a college degree in their teaching field. Research has shown that students score higher when taught by teachers who have a degree in their field. Further, U.S. students used calculators more than their foreign peers. Also, they did less homework. Such practices may be significant given that other studies have shown that drill and practice on basic knowledge and skills result in higher student achievement. That means more homework and less reliance on crutches such as calculators.

Yet, a book on math teaching methods required at San Francisco State tells future teachers that slower students should use calculators to do basic arithmetic. That these students may never learn to do arithmetic by hand is okay because, says the author, there must be a redefinition of what's basic to mathematics. Many other books used by California schools of education make similar recommendations against traditional methods of memorization, drill and practice.

Yet, many highly ranked countries emphasize traditional teaching methods. Take Singapore, which ranks first in student math achievement. Singapore limits the use of calculators. Memorization of basic math facts is emphasized so as to make mental calculations easier and faster. Also, Singapore stresses teacher dissemination of knowledge rather than the American trend of letting students discover knowledge. And whereas many American educators believe that getting the correct answer shouldn't be paramount, Singapore focuses on getting the right answer quickly and accurately.

The bottom line is that Singapore's traditional methods work, which wouldn't surprise a lot of California parents who are upset with the so-called "new, new math" being taught in many classrooms. Isn't it time, then, to start learning something from our overseas friends?

With a perspective, I'm Lance Izumi.