Normally I do not find text books over interesting; however, I have to say that reading Experiencing School Mathematics was not only interesting but engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and was disappointed to find out that Phoenix Park reverted back to traditional methods.
With such a great deal of research promoting open-ended project based instruction I think it is particularly sad that policy makers are not listening. Just recently a new mathematics program was delivered to my province. I do believe that this new curriculum is a step in the right direction, but it’s not where we need to be. Students still feel disconnected with mathematics. They have a difficult time understanding how it relates to them and how they can use it in their everyday lives. If we are not teaching students how to connect what they are learning in the classroom to the real world, then what are we teaching them? When I was in high school I was very good at chemistry, it was one of my strongest subjects however, it did not interest me and I have not engaged in chemistry since. If you were to ask me a question about chemistry now I would not be able to answer it, it would be alien to me. I am not saying chemistry is not important, what I am trying to say is that mathematics is a valuable tool and we need to teach our students not just how to do it BUT how to USE it!!
I believe this is the main message Boaler is portraying in her book and she reveals how through the use of project based instruction, students do get it. They do know how to use mathematics in the world outside their classrooms!! I believe that this is the most valuable knowledge we can provide to our students.
