A colleague recently pointed out an op-ed piece written by Prof. Edward Frenkel, a mathematics professor at the University of California. From his concluding paragraphs:
Of course, we still need to teach students multiplication tables, fractions and Euclidean geometry. But what if we spent just 20% of class time opening students’ eyes to the power and exquisite harmony of modern math? What if we showed them how these fascinating concepts apply to the real world, how the abstract meets the concrete? This would feed their natural curiosity, motivate them to study more and inspire them to engage math beyond the basic requirements — surely a more efficient way to spend class time than mindless memorization in preparation for standardized tests.
In my experience, kids are ready for this. It’s the adults that are hesitant. It’s not their fault — our math education is broken. But we have to take charge and finally break this vicious circle. With help from professional mathematicians, all of us should make an effort to learn something about the true masterpieces of mathematics, to be able to see big-picture math, the way we see art, literature and other sciences. We owe this to the next generations.
Here’s the whole editorial: http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-adv-frenkel-why-study-math-20140302-story.html
I also should point out the thoughtful critiques of this article from mathematics educators that were published by the Los Angeles Times: http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-le-0308-saturday-math-teaching-20140308-story.html
Mean Green Math 