It appears math wars are once more raging in New York City. I received this information on Dec. 27 from USA Today from my hotel. Almost twenty years ago while speaking on math fluency at the Marriot Marquis for the New York International Dyslexia Association, my talk was loudly disrupted by several NYC administrators who strongly objected to my statement this statement: “Understanding multiplication facts to automaticity is the cornerstone of higher mathematical thinking.” These misguided souls had to be physically removed from my talk by hotel security personnel.
Mastering basic math facts—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—is essential for fostering students' growth in mathematics. When these facts are learned to the point of automaticity, they can be recalled instantly and effortlessly, freeing up mental energy to tackle more complex problem-solving challenges. Without this foundational proficiency, students often face difficulties, as their working memory can become overwhelmed trying to compute simple facts while learning intricate procedures.
Automaticity in math is akin to reading fluency in literacy. Just as a confident reader demonstrates understanding through rhythm and pacing, a skilled math learner engages with numbers in a smooth, flowing manner. This seamless thought process allows for easy transitions between steps in multi-digit operations, algebraic reasoning, and problem interpretation. Such a rhythmic approach not only enhances confidence but also reduces anxiety, empowering learners to focus on the connections between numbers rather than getting stuck on basic calculations. Achieving this level of automaticity requires purposeful and consistent practice—timed drills, fun games and engaging number patterns that emphasize accuracy first, then speed.
Once students attain fluency, their mathematical reasoning evolves; it becomes expressive and dynamic rather than mechanical. They gain the ability to "speak" the language of mathematics with confidence, effortlessly tackling complex problems, making estimations, and engaging in quantitative reasoning. Thus, mastering basic facts to achieve automaticity goes beyond mere memorization; it lays a crucial foundation for understanding mathematical concepts, paving the way for fluent, insightful, and confident mathematical learning.
My work in Great Leaps Math uses timing, direct instruction, and meaningful dialogue. It is only controversial by those inundated in a false paradigm that has led to generations of not only math failure, but math hatred.
- Ken Campbell