Math Courses

Mathematics is a tool for problem-solving. It is a means of modeling. It is its own
language. Mathematicians are innovators. They are problem-posers. They are solution-seekers.
Yet much of our mathematics education consists of procedures and algorithms that can be
learned by rote memorization. How do we bridge the gap from the mindless regurgitation of
mathematical procedures to the ability to use mathematics to solve challenging problems? The
key is to understand the mathematics. Students who understand why the procedures work can
then apply these procedures in new and different situations. Understanding, is that all? How do
we, as math educators, ensure the understanding of all our students?