Tuesday, November
08, 2005
Outline of Work to be done on
Learning Theory and the Core Liberal Arts Curriculum
Part One
The
Learning Theory supporting the Lifting Strategy
A theory of learning
is introduced to the freshman liberal arts student.
This theory is
applied to the learning
of arithmetic, set theory and the elementary parts of algebra.
The students often
need to
transform long-term personal issues with respect to pre-college
mathematics. In fact personal discipline
is essential in demonstrating mastery over college algebra.
The traditional curriculum includes
arithmetic, elements of geometry, elements of algebra, theory of
functions, and introductory
elements of the calculus of two variables.
The objective of
first studies in college mathematics should be to obtain a transparent
understanding of the nature of mathematics. This
objective is often considered to be
beyond the goals of developmental mathematics, and for this reason we
feel that most developmental programs are wrong minded.
The foundation of the Lifting Strategy is based on principles
related to the formation of an image of self, and in this case the
required
personal transformation that would be required IF the student is to
make a
transformation. Traditional educational
theory, as practiced in most cases in the classroom, does not reach for
this
level of personal transformation. The traditional
practice is "supply side" in nature. We seek a demand side
educational theory. <*>
Few would disagree
that an inward discipline is required to make a transformation in how
the
individual
views his or her abilities in arithmetic, analytic/synthesis skills and
foundational mathematics.
Mathematics,
considered as a single
totality, may be studied starting with a specific curriculum often
called
foundations of mathematics. The
material is well established. The
foundation of mathematics is generally made available in some
progressive
liberal arts mathematics textbooks. A
course called the foundations of mathematics is often a required junior
level
course for mathematics majors.
Unexpectedly, our
work shows that the foundations are
accessible to
the average entering freshman at any American university or college.