Can kids learn Math by themselves?
In my opinion the answer is Yes, but with proper scaffolding and understanding of basics.
Whether kids can learn Math by themselves in discovery or inquiry based, constructivist learning environment has been a hot topic of debate. The arguments from NO side seem to be assuming that the kids are left unassisted to learn everything based on discovery.
Here is what happened yesterday. Nidhi found a piece of cardstock. "Look Mom, I am holding it like I wear my blanket when I pretend like a princess". She was holding two corners of the cardstock together to make it look like a cape.
"Nice! What are you going to do with it?". Thinking a bit she replied "A cylinder." She quickly held two edges together and taped it. We took turns talking through the tube and exploring the sound effects.
Next, she put it on the floor and went in search of things to fill her cylinder. She returned with a pack of writing materials and started to fill the cylinder. When she lifted the cylinder everything fell off.
She then started to count to check how many crayons filled the cylinder. I remember her counting somewhere around 40.
Next she brought another piece of paper , asked me to hold the cylinder while she traced the bottom, cut it and taped it to the cylinder. Then she repeated the process to make another cylinder.
This I feel is a good example of inquiry based self directed learning.
However everything she learn was not through discovery. She already knows to identify 3D shapes through provocations. She already has a lot of practice in counting through roleplaying Grocery Shopping.
What she learnt newly is that
She also tries to master her learning through repetitions.
What is needed for such self directed learning?
Will this way of learning Math help her in future?
I hope that deepening her knowledge by self learning will become easier in future. She might learn or arrive at Surface area or volume formulae of a cylinder tangibly by herself leading to better understanding than traditional method of memorizing those formulae.
In my opinion the answer is Yes, but with proper scaffolding and understanding of basics.
Whether kids can learn Math by themselves in discovery or inquiry based, constructivist learning environment has been a hot topic of debate. The arguments from NO side seem to be assuming that the kids are left unassisted to learn everything based on discovery.
Here is what happened yesterday. Nidhi found a piece of cardstock. "Look Mom, I am holding it like I wear my blanket when I pretend like a princess". She was holding two corners of the cardstock together to make it look like a cape.
"Nice! What are you going to do with it?". Thinking a bit she replied "A cylinder." She quickly held two edges together and taped it. We took turns talking through the tube and exploring the sound effects.
Next, she put it on the floor and went in search of things to fill her cylinder. She returned with a pack of writing materials and started to fill the cylinder. When she lifted the cylinder everything fell off.
She then started to count to check how many crayons filled the cylinder. I remember her counting somewhere around 40.
 |
| Filling the cylinder with writing materials |
Next she brought another piece of paper , asked me to hold the cylinder while she traced the bottom, cut it and taped it to the cylinder. Then she repeated the process to make another cylinder.
 |
| Tracing circles for bottom and lid |
 |
| cutting out the circles |
 |
| Proud owner of two cylinders |
This I feel is a good example of inquiry based self directed learning.
- She set her own inquiry - how to build a cylinder?
- She set her own problem statement - How many crayons are required to fill the cylinder?
- She problem solved by herself - Putting a base and lid helps in containing objects.
However everything she learn was not through discovery. She already knows to identify 3D shapes through provocations. She already has a lot of practice in counting through roleplaying Grocery Shopping.
What she learnt newly is that
- A Rectangle and 2 Circles are required to make a Cylinder
- A Cylinder can be used to contain objects
- Relative measurement terms such as full, half and empty
- Problem solving skills.
She also tries to master her learning through repetitions.
What is needed for such self directed learning?
- Curiosity - being inquisitive.
- Prepared environment.
- Just the right amount of guidance from facilitator.
Will this way of learning Math help her in future?
I hope that deepening her knowledge by self learning will become easier in future. She might learn or arrive at Surface area or volume formulae of a cylinder tangibly by herself leading to better understanding than traditional method of memorizing those formulae.
You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes,
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose!-Dr.Seuss
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