Rant #41
Fuck the Lattice Method of Multiplication
It's not a "better way to multiply". At best, its a trick. There are too many students who are learning this way of multiplying from their teachers and have no idea how to do it the normal way. I really don't think I'm being an old fart on this one. Sometimes the new ways are better, even if not everyone understands them. This is not one of those times! The lattice method isn't any easier! And the students are failing to see the concept behind long division this way (you can multiply the parts then add the parts together!).
So, to all teachers who are using this method for their students: STOP IT! IT'S NOT HELPING!
It's not a "better way to multiply". At best, its a trick. There are too many students who are learning this way of multiplying from their teachers and have no idea how to do it the normal way. I really don't think I'm being an old fart on this one. Sometimes the new ways are better, even if not everyone understands them. This is not one of those times! The lattice method isn't any easier! And the students are failing to see the concept behind long division this way (you can multiply the parts then add the parts together!).
So, to all teachers who are using this method for their students: STOP IT! IT'S NOT HELPING!