We often think that math must be learnt by heart; that we must be able to apply some formulas or remember certain rules, so we can, automatically, arrive to the correct answer. Moreover, the faster we get to it the better. In fact, we are not the only ones with this perception: data from the PISA 2012 international assessments show that a good number of students in Latin … [Lee más...] about To be the best in math, think… don’t memorize!
mathematics
A new surprise: Peru
In February 2014, I posted a blog about the impressive results of Vietnam in the 2012 Program for International Student Assesment (PISA) . Why was I surprised? The reason is simple: Vietnam, despite being one of the poorest countries in that race registered one of the highest scores, breaking the almost omnipresent and negative relationship between socioeconomic status … [Lee más...] about A new surprise: Peru
Avoiding the poverty trap
Education seeks to provide equal learning opportunities for all: the poor and the rich. But... can education systems accomplish this goal? Can the poorest children and youth achieve high learning outcomes? To date, no clear response to either one of these two questions exists within the literature. … [Lee más...] about Avoiding the poverty trap
Is crunching numbers like playing with dolls?
Think of a child playing with dolls? Do you envision a girl or a boy? Think of an engineer. Do you envision a man or a woman? Now think of a psychologist. Same question, man or woman? Now think of somebody in a managerial position. Then think of their assistant. And who would you say has the best salary and best working conditions? Gender stereotypes, you? … [Lee más...] about Is crunching numbers like playing with dolls?
“Radical new teaching method” may not be that new: have we had the answer all along?
A prominent American technology magazine recently made a bold declaration splashed across its glossy covers in newsstands nationwide. They had discovered the “next Steve Jobs,” a prodigy with the potential to revolutionize how we live our lives by thinking creatively, differently about the world. Where do you think this wunderkind was discovered? Who do you picture when you … [Lee más...] about “Radical new teaching method” may not be that new: have we had the answer all along?