I agree about the overall structure of educational systems vis a vis grades, although there is apparently some evidence that being tested periodically helps one retain information.
It seems likely to me that Thurston is Generalizing From One Example here.
Actually, in fairness, I don’t think he’s generalizing; I think he’s observing one example. My interpretation of the statement as prescriptive may not have been intended. Of course, if it’s to be included on this list, it should be expected to be interpreted as prescriptive.
He’s legendary for having consistently making obscure and apparently unjustified statements which have turned out to be fully grounded.
I wonder whether my lack of preconceptions about the source of the quote was helpful or harmful here. (My guess is “no.” ;))
I agree about the overall structure of educational systems vis a vis grades, although there is apparently some evidence that being tested periodically helps one retain information.
Thanks, I hadn’t seen the things that the linked NY Times article discusses before.
Actually, in fairness, I don’t think he’s generalizing; I think he’s observing one example. My interpretation of the statement as prescriptive may not have been intended.
As you remark, equating “show your work” with “reject mental insights and alternative approaches” is too strong. My suggestion was that to the extent that he’s drawing such an equivalence, he’s likely to be generalizing from one example.
But in line with what you say above, the essay that the quote is from was written as a personal reflection rather than a careful analysis and so the quote is most properly viewed as an offhand remark reflecting on his own experience.
Of course, if it’s to be included on this list, it should be expected to be interpreted as prescriptive.
I cited Thurston for a description of his own experience with school math.
I wonder whether my lack of preconceptions about the source of the quote was helpful or harmful here. (My guess is “no.” ;))
Sure, makes sense. I was just giving some background in case you’re curious. I personally found the essays that I linked above well worth reading.
I cited Thurston for a description of his own experience with school math.
Understood, but if it’s included on a list of quotes about math education the overall thrust of which is to show what’s wrong with it, the implication is that what he describes is one of the things which is wrong with it.
I hope it’s clear that my last line there wasn’t any kind of rejection of your explanation. I was just musing which way the bias ran. And I still think this is a worthwhile post overall.
Understood, but if it’s included on a list of quotes about math education the overall thrust of which is to show what’s wrong with it, the implication is that what he describes is one of the things which is wrong with it.
Thanks for pointing this out, you might be surprised to know that it didn’t occur to me! I’ll bear this point in mind and add some sort of disclaimer if I incorporate the quote into a top level post.
I agree about the overall structure of educational systems vis a vis grades, although there is apparently some evidence that being tested periodically helps one retain information.
Actually, in fairness, I don’t think he’s generalizing; I think he’s observing one example. My interpretation of the statement as prescriptive may not have been intended. Of course, if it’s to be included on this list, it should be expected to be interpreted as prescriptive.
I wonder whether my lack of preconceptions about the source of the quote was helpful or harmful here. (My guess is “no.” ;))
Thanks, I hadn’t seen the things that the linked NY Times article discusses before.
As you remark, equating “show your work” with “reject mental insights and alternative approaches” is too strong. My suggestion was that to the extent that he’s drawing such an equivalence, he’s likely to be generalizing from one example.
But in line with what you say above, the essay that the quote is from was written as a personal reflection rather than a careful analysis and so the quote is most properly viewed as an offhand remark reflecting on his own experience.
I cited Thurston for a description of his own experience with school math.
Sure, makes sense. I was just giving some background in case you’re curious. I personally found the essays that I linked above well worth reading.
Understood, but if it’s included on a list of quotes about math education the overall thrust of which is to show what’s wrong with it, the implication is that what he describes is one of the things which is wrong with it.
I hope it’s clear that my last line there wasn’t any kind of rejection of your explanation. I was just musing which way the bias ran. And I still think this is a worthwhile post overall.
Thanks for pointing this out, you might be surprised to know that it didn’t occur to me! I’ll bear this point in mind and add some sort of disclaimer if I incorporate the quote into a top level post.