Teacher's TikTok on "old math" vs "new math" starts huge Internet debate

The debate about the efficacy of the Common Core curriculum has received considerable attention over the years, especially regarding how math is taught to children across the country. Many argue that "new math" problem-solving techniques are unnecessarily difficult compared to "old math" ones.

And it's not just a matter of one particular demographic embracing the new methodologies over another: parents, students, and teachers alike seem to be split down the middle as to which techniques are more effective at teaching children math. What further complicates the issue is that the old vs new debate is embroiled in other political issues when it comes to public school funding and management across the country.

Many teachers are frustrated by how their districts' funding is tied to standardized testing success. If a certain percentage of students don't hit target scores, schools face audits, scrutiny, and potential reallocation of funds.

Implementing new teaching methods often intersects with school funding debates. Many teachers feel restricted and forced to use methods they believe aren't best for student learning.

Which is something that was expressed in a quick video clip by this teacher's TikTok that illustrates the stark difference between "old math" vs "new math" instructional techniques.

A viral TikTok by educator Gerry Brooksprin, titled "Parental Frustration," highlights the struggle parents face teaching "new math" and questions whether it effectively empowers children to solve problems quickly.

At the end of the clip, he displays his own understanding of the frustration with new techniques after showing the juxtaposition of the two math instruction styles.

Many echoed Gerry's sentiments, with numerous TikTok users posting videos expressing similar confusion and frustration with the "overly complicated" new math system.

However, some argue against the "oversimplification" of the issue. Stand-up comedians have mocked the simplistic view of new math, while many parents say their children have greatly benefited from the new teaching style.

The main argument is that old math teaches students to find the correct answer, whereas new math focuses on understanding concepts in a way that relates to daily life.

Proponents of new math further argue that it's this more in-depth approach that allows students to factor it into their other studies. Seeing visualizations of the sums they're adding, subtracting, and multiplying is at first more difficult, but ultimately builds a stronger foundation for becoming more adept at higher level mathematics theories.

Where do you stand in the "new math" vs "old math" debate? Is it a matter of older generations thinking that their ways are better than whatever newfangled methods are being implemented? Or is this really a "regression" as many are saying?

This article was originally published on January 2, 2021. It has since been updated.