As reported in Wall Street Journal, May 19, 1992. Most people learn best in an experiential manner involving personal participation, physical or hands-on activities and opportunities for personal discovery. Learning is greatly enhanced when concepts are presented in a context involving relationships that are familiar to the student. Most people relate better to concrete, tangible examples and experiences as opposed to abstract, conceptual models. Most people are extroverted learners and learn best through interpersonal communication, groups learning, sharing, mutual support, team processes and positive reinforcement.
Rote memorization is an inefficient and ineffective learning strategy.
Transfer of learning from one situation to another is not consistently predictable and the ability to do so is a skill in itself to be learned. Public attitudes about mathematics are shifting from indifference and hostility to recognition of the important role that mathematics plays in today's society. The teaching of mathematics is shifting from preoccupation with inculcating routine skills to developing broad-based mathematical power. The teaching of mathematics is shifting from emphasis on preparation for future courses to greater emphasis on topics that are relevant to students' present and future needs. The public perception of mathematics is shifting from that of a fixed body of arbitrary rules to a vigorous active science of patterns.