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‘Discovery’ doesn’t compute

Sat., Dec. 18, 2010

I read with interest Mr. Dolina’s explanation of the “discovery” methodology of teaching mathematics (Letters, Dec. 11). Much of it sounded familiar, as my college roommate was a math major. Since I only studied chemistry I had to manage with an “instructional” curriculum built around subjects like calculus, differential equations and analytic geometry.

But I really appreciate Mr. Dolina taking time to share his obviously superior knowledge with us. I have only one question: If the discovery – sometimes also called “problem” – methodology is so wonderful, why doesn’t it work?

Robert Mielbrecht

Spokane

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