Rationalizing Arithmetic
Abstract
As we read the above statement several questions present themselves to us. The first of these concerns the meaning of the expression to rationalize the processes". The dictionary informs us that to rationalize" means "to endow with reason". That is, the processes in arithmetic are to be explained in such a way that the procedure will appeal to the pupil as reasonable. The processes must be made real for him.The second question that arises is: Why should arithmetic be rationalized? The question of rationalizing arithmetic has been more or less & debatable question during the last twenty or twenty-five years. Many educators feel that since arithmetic is a habit forming subject, all its processes should be taught through mechanical repetitions. True, arithmetic has as one of its objectives the formation of certain habits. However, it is necessary to remember that habit does not mean mere repetition. While mechanical repetition is involved in habit, yet it of itself is not synonymous with habit. Repetition is merely one of the steps in the formation of the habit. Before repetition is begun, we must not only motivate the subject matter, but we must also be reasonably sure that the children understand the subject matter.
Subject Area
Theoretical Mathematics|Mathematics|Mathematics education
Recommended Citation
Meeks, Rose I, "Rationalizing Arithmetic" (1928). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI31097145.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI31097145
