一般的原理 - 事実に関する正確さ
論理的な正確さは,遅くなってから獲得されるものであり,幼い子供に押しつけてはならない。九九表を正しく覚えることは,もちろん,事実に関する正確さである。(即ち)ずっと後の段階になって初めて論理的な正確さとなるのである。数学は,論理的な正確さを教えるための自然な手段であるが,数学を恣意的な規則の集合であるように思わせるとうまくいかない。規則は覚えなければならないが,ある段階では,それらの規則を設ける理由を明らかにしてあげなければならない。もしそれがなされなければ,数学の教育上の価値はほとんど失われてしまう。 |
Pt. 3: Intellectual education) - Chap.14 General principlesAccuracy as to matter of fact is intolerably boring when pursued on its own account. Learning the dates of the kings of England, or the names of the counties and their capitals, used to be one of the terrors of childhood. It is better to secure accuracy by interest and repetition. I could never remember the list of capes, but at eight years old I knew almost all the stations on the Underground. If children were shown a cinema representing a ship sailing round the coast they would soon know the capes. I don't think they are worth knowing, but if they were that would be the way to teach them. All geography ought to be taught on the cinema ; so ought history at first. The initial expense would be great, but not too great for Governments. And there would be a subsequent economy in ease of teaching.Logical accuracy is a late acquisition, and should not be forced upon young children. Getting the multiplication table right is, of course, accuracy as to matter of fact ; it only becomes logical accuracy at a much later stage. Mathematics is the natural vehicle for this teaching, but it fails if allowed to appear as a set of arbitrary rules. Rules must be learnt, but at some stage the reasons for them must be made clear ; if this is not done, mathematics has little educative value. |
(掲載日:2015.06.25/更新日: )