Traditional Math vs. Reform Math

The stigma about mathematics comes from traditional mathematics. Traditional mathematics refers to the math that we all learned through all our school years. Some, in fact most, happily reflect on this period of time as something in the past that will stay in the past.

Traditional mathematics is defined as studying the foundations of math through repetition and practice.


The idea behind it is logical: we must learn the basics of math thoroughly before moving on to more advanced and applied math. The repetition is what draws the most groans. But learning mathematics does not have to be this tedious. Today, many mathematicians are proposing a new way of teaching that appeals more to the creative mathematics we have been discussing.

It is known as reform mathematics, and it emphasizes the practical application of math by teaching through creativity, and therefore reveals the true value of math in a memorable and more educational way.



A creative approach to mathematics focuses on independently solving real world problems. In other words, the math should serve the problem, the problem shouldn't be formed to fit the math.

Be that as it may, there are some aspects of traditional mathematics that shouldn't be ignored. For instance, the nature of mathematics demands some mechanical learning. The systematic analysis skills we practice are excellent exercise for our ability to deal with logic puzzles.

So if we acknowledge the importance of knowing the basics of math, as well as accept the need to apply math creatively to the real world, we will have developed a much fuller understanding of mathematics that dissuades us from its stereotype!