In a message dated 9/20/2007 5:46:46 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
djrosen at comcast.net writes:

Most  tests that are used in adult education and for college  
placement  focus mainly on skills. How does teaching numeracy with all  
its  components prepare adults for these tests? Wouldn’t a focus on   
practicing computation skills be a more efficient preparation for  them?



If practicing computation skills worked, then why are our adult ed and  
developmental classes flooded with students that can't do computation? What I  have 
found is that teaching conceptually is the "Velcro" that helps mathematical  
concepts stay with a student.  Most placement tests are multiple choice.  
Using reasoning and estimation skills aid students to eliminate answers that  
don't make sense. Beyond that, once a student passes a college placement exam,  
the ability to problem solve, think mathematically, and feel confident about  
math are  far greater skills to have as they engage in higher  mathematics. 
 
Pam Meader



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