231. Improving Math Curriculums with Tammy and Marc Goldberg

Learning Unboxed

If a student misses even a single building block in their math education, they will struggle in future lessons. In math, every concept builds on itself. That’s why developing an excellent math curriculum is so critical… and so difficult.

Today our guests are Tammy and Marc Goldberg, education innovators with Mathnasium. They’ve helped the company revamp its curriculum to help both instructors and students. Every concept is broken down into sequential pieces. Instructors assess where the student needs to (re)start, and each student gets all the time and individualized attention they need until they master that building block.

But that kind of individualization can be hard to come by in traditional education systems. We discuss the challenges of creating math curriculums in schools. But Tammy and Marc do have some suggestions for a path forward: Get rid of timed number fact tests. Treat math like we treat reading in the early grades. Use precise language when teaching concepts.

Tune in for this tough, but important conversation.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How math concepts build on themselves
• The emotional and social stigmas attached to struggling in math
• Key changes that could make a big difference in math curriculums

Resources:

• Learn more at Mathnasium.com/Mathnasium-Method

Produced by NOVA Media