Figuring out where to start with solving a problem is the most fundamental skill in maths. Too much time spent on the mechanics of calculation is just one of the reasons students might be in the kind of thinking rut discussed in this article.
One of the Computer-Based Maths graphics, above, explains what I mean in graphic terms. Education systems have long conditioned learners to want to jump to step three, and they flounder when they have to figure out how to get there on there own. That is, they rather need to master steps one and two. That's what this article, and the Computer-Based Maths project, are all about.
Looking forward to your thoughts!
