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[Feb. 16th, 2009|01:18 pm] |
Max Dehn. The Mentality of the Mathematician. January 18, 1928. via ![[info]](http://lj.rossia.org/img/userinfo-lj.gif) sowa@lj
Mathematics is the only instructional material that can be presented in an entirely undogmatic way. That is why instruction in mathematics has played a prominent role in institutions of higher learning since antiquity. Taught properly, mathematics enables the student to think clearly and independently within the limits of his aptitude. He can certainly take complete responsibility for his mathematical work.
Well, this is not how math is being taught in the vast majority of schools. Opposite to Dehn's recommendation, it is imposed on students in brutally dogmatic ways. By far, the dominant approach is training first, education second. The "properliness" of math education heavily depends on the teacher. Math itself, unless picked up voluntarily or presented by an inspiring individual, will not teach somebody to think clearly or independently. |
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| хайку. Кобаяши Исса. Kobayashi Issa 1804 |
[Feb. 16th, 2009|09:39 pm] |
松苗も肩過にけり春の風
matsu nae mo kata sugi ni keri haru no kaze
the pine saplings
over shoulder-high...
spring breeze
translated by David Lanoue
юные сосны
чуть выше плеча...
весенний бриз
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