I found this to be an interesting statement from page 98 in Teaching and Learning America's Christian History: "The breakdown of the integrity of whole numbers and their identity is related to the breakdown of the integrity and identity of the individual in our society. Many will challenge this statement!"
Ponder and discuss the idea that our methods of teaching directly relate to the lack of absolutes in our culture and in our pagan thinking today (whether the individual is a Believer or not).
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I have to say this section confused me a bit. I understand the concepts about God's principles in mathematics, but don't understand the contrast to the modern approach. For me, I believe I really ought to be able to recognize the modern approach because I am learning that I have been fully indoctrinated by it without ever realizing it. I was shocked and astounded at the contrasts of the Pavlov conditioning versus Christ's means of teaching and learning. I never saw that before. Now, it seems so clear.
However, back to the mathematics. Although I was probably taught this way, I don't know what are "new math," "collective approach," "grouping," "set theory," or "association." Maybe it will be apparent later, but I wouldn't know how else to teach math facts without separating them into memorizing addition combinations, mutliplication tables, etc. Not quite sure what is represented by all these theory labels.
Don't misunderstand. We still memorize math facts. Where this idea comes in is the recognition that mathematics is the language of science and therefore the language of creation. God set up creation according to mathematical principle. I had it explained to me like this in the beginning. Mathematics is infinite--the only other thing that is infinite is God. So by learning about mathematics we are learning about the very nature of God. He will not deny us understanding in this area when we relax and just ask him. And then patiently study.
This isn't something that comes quickly. Be patient as you pursue it and make it a matter of prayer. God will help you just as he helped me.
I would recommend two books as well: "The Noah Plan Mathematics Curriculum Guide", and "Mathematics: Is God Silent"
Oh...and remember to alway teach toward the whole. You wouldn't show someone who'd never heard of sewing a sewing machine foot to show them the value of sewing. You'd first show them some garments and then break it down into parts (like the times tables) so they could see it's value.
Talk about creation. We've been watching the NASA channel some lately, keeping up with the Constellation program. They've even shown some mathematical formulas they used to find the center of gravity on the rocket. It related directly to some of the algebra my 13 year old has been working with. Showing them the whole gives them a reason for studying (it also eliminates the why are we doing this questions).
Let me know if you have more questions in this area.
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