Math Facts From a Historical Perspective
Building Blocks for Success
Seventy years ago, when I was in second grade, students learned multiplication tables through rote memorization. When youngsters mastered these basic facts, they were able to use them in their further study of mathematics.
They used these skills in arithmetic computations and intuitively learned prime factorization and were successful working with fractions. The same skills were utilized when solving rational (fractional) algebraic equations; and much later in the study of Calculus.
At each step in this education process, blossoming youngsters were rewarded with self-satisfaction. Each rung of their ladder of learning motivated them to push forward. Many of these pupils’ mastery of Math led to professions such as doctors, engineers, scientists, and university professors.
In today’s education milieu, especially in schools serving socially and economically partitioned youngsters, these basic skills are not emphasized. Of course, there are exceptional teachers that recognize the value of these skills but typically youngsters are not strongly encouraged to master multiplication facts. Predictably many of these students say that they “hate Math;” they are less likely to pursue highly scientific and technological occupations and sadly, when they become parents, they unconsciously discourage their own children from an aggressive study in this academic discipline.
Divine growth process
Although we seldom think about it, there is a natural progression in most developmental processes. There is a spiritual example of natural growth given to us in scripture. In it we find, “The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of God is that of a grain of corn: it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. God gives manifold increase to whom He pleases: And God cares for all and He knows all things (Qur’an 2:261).
Intuitively we recognize that planting a seed in fertile soil provided with water and sunlight yields an abundant return. We can think of this natural process metaphorically and apply it to other aspects of our lives — as in the Math example above.
Similar to basic Math skills, there are certain social skills that youngsters are taught to internalize early in their primary education. They are taught to be honest, treat others as they would like to be treated, and do not take things that belong to others. These skills are also building blocks for success.
When properly nurtured, these societal building blocks are internalized and transferred to others resulting in a just and equitable community of people.
What happens if the environment in which these characteristics are developed is lacking and they are not nurtured. In such cases, the results are quite predictable. In the case of corn, without nutrition, water, and sunlight the plant withers and eventually dies.
In the case of students learning mathematics, if basic building blocks are not developed, youngsters declare their hatred of Math and without its mastery, limit their academic potential.
Most importantly, without nurturing honesty, justice, and equity in the hearts and minds of youngsters, they mature with identifiable voids in this aspect of their human development. They become self-centered, calloused to the needs of others, and greedy.
We have in America individuals that are at both ends of these extremes: Some are totally committed to equity and social justice and others are equally devoted to greed and self-interest. What can be done? How can we strengthen desirable social justice characteristics in our society? In our Math example, the solutions would be to provide remediation of basic Math facts and their application.
I submit that the solution to social injustice is similar. Honesty, justice, and equity are Divinely inspired moral attributes and they are universal. Recommitting to these sacred norms, irrespective of our faith could help us to appreciate one another for the sake of the Almighty. Then and only then could we collaboratively initiate legislative actions that could benefit all citizens.
