Wondering what these have in common?
The other day I actually had an in person appointment. I only had a vague idea of the location so I fired up the map app on my phone and headed out. Since I don't have a great sense of direction, it really helps, especially if I am running late. My "directional instincts" are particularly challenged when I am under time pressure. This app has saved me on so many occasions.
As I drove, though, I started to feel a little guilty for having to rely on an app. I've lived in this area for over 20 years. Shouldn't I have it mapped out thoroughly in my head by now?
Turns out the map that is in my head is like a flat piece of paper that's stuck to my desk. I can't rotate it in my head, and it's hard for me to switch from the 3D view in front of me to the 2D view of the map while I'm driving. If I make a wrong turn and Siri is not there to reroute me, I might be lost for hours.
Since getting places on time in real life is a thing again, I've decided not to feel guilty about having step by step directions. I'm grateful for this tool.
I did start thinking about how much better it would be than an app if my internal map were more developed and easier to use. Then the lightbulb went on! I realized that many of us learned math like directions on the app. We entered a destination (long division), and then the teacher showed us the exact steps. All we had to do was follow the steps we were given. Easy-peasy, right?
Of course, if we forgot a step or made a mistake, we were totally lost.
Common core is like having a really colorful, flexible map in your head. Instead of a set of steps, students develop a broader understanding of "the lay of the land," so that if they make a wrong turn, they can use what they know (landmark number, for example) to make it to their destination anyway.
Stay tuned for more blog posts about common core math. IF you have questions in the meantime, check out my FAQs page. Submit your question if you don't see it. Chances are someone else is wondering the exact same thing!
