The "Parrot Math" Attack on Memorization

Bill Quirk ()

Nonpartisan Education Review, 2013, vol. 9, issue 1, 1

Abstract: Constructivist math educators regularly cite Parrot Math by Thomas C. O'Brien. Although this paper promotes constructivist "activity-based" learning over direct instruction, it's primary claim to fame is the open hostility to memorization. Professor O'Brien rejects "memorization and parrot-like drill " in favor of "children's invented strategies." He references a paper by Kamii and Dominick as evidence of "considerable research" showing that mastery of the standard algorithms of arithmetic is harmful for children.

Keywords: education; policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I2 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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