Meet the inimitable Dr Nhung Tran-Davies, a concerned parent who started the “Back to Basics Math Petition” in Alberta, Canada, and has gathered a whopping 16,000+ signatures. I’ve always thought of Canadians as pretty laid back, but now I see they are passionate about things that really matter, and their passion brings about change.
The petition (and a protest outside the Alberta Legislature) forced their Minister of Education to open his doors for discussion. He has agreed to the following curriculum changes:
- To remove the need for students to use multiple strategies to solve problems.
- To remove all disparaging languages regarding memorization, practice, and standard algorithms.
- Re-integration of the multiplication table in the curriculum.
- Explicit expectations for children to recall basic math facts.
- The re-inclusion of the “traditional algorithms” as a listed option for teaching.
Nhung’s work hasn’t finished yet – she won’t stop until column addition and the other column-based methods are mandated. Her dedication to this important cause sets an example to us all.
The Canadian media have played a huge part in igniting public debate and instigating change. What will it take for the New Zealand media to show a similar interest?
Dr Audrey Tan, Mathmo Consulting
June 2014
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