2014.09.06, 09.16
Summary of Chat: J for K-G12
Web references and references by responders:
1. Robert Therriault: Dan Myers: http://blog.mrmeyer.com
2. Devon McCormick: http://www.toolsof the
mind.org/philosophy/vygotskian-approach/
3. Devon McCormick:
http://retractionwatch.com/2014/07/18-camel-doesnt-have-two-humps-programming-aptitude-test-canned-for-overzealous-conclusion/
4. Devon McCormick: http://secretgeek.net/camel-kay
5. Devon McCormick: http://www.fosusinvestor.com/
6. Devon McCormick: Plato’s “Symposium”
Communicators/Responders to issues of “J for K-G12”:
1. Linda Alvord
2. Raul Miller
3. Robert Therriault
4. Devon McCormick
5. Vijay Lulla
Issues discussed:
1. Linda Alvord: Math curriculum using J from G1-G12, is an ongoing
project by Linda Alvord. J can be used to enhance learning in
mathematics, rather than being taught as a separate course. The idea is
to teach math better. Linda’s G1 has an overview, including geometry,
and details for math practices. J Teche defines responsibilities for
adult and child using Jqt. A program, “Plaid” was contributed and a
paper by Linda has been submitted to the Journal of J.
2. Raul Miller: There are more than 2 notations, J and the rest—there
are multiple other notations, not just one other notation.
3. Robert Therriault: J has executable notation. He suggests exploring
math rather than teaching math. He referenced Dan Myers’ (teacher)
website: http://blog.mrmeyer.com
4. Devon McCormick: 1-Yes, J should be taught in K-G12. 2-No, there is
not a better language for K-G12 than J. 3-J is a “really rough” analogy
to a foreign language. 4-There is a “standard” J, but not so much
another “standard” notation. 5-Teachers should learn to teach J. 6-Why
is there not more interest in teaching J in K-G12? See: Plato’s
“Symposium.” 7-Is J likely to improve a student’s understanding by
learning two notations?: “Until children learn to use mental tools,
their learning is largely controlled by the environment…After children
master mental tools, they become in charge of their own learning…”
8-Should controlled studies be done to test the utility of J compared to
standard math only? Doing controlled studies is probably too difficult.
9-Which computing devices are best for K-G12 and which version of J are
best or required? Tablets? Small devices with large keyboards. 10.
What grade is the best to begin teaching J? Maybe 6th grade or so?
(Besides differences in students there are differences in teachers.)
11-Which resources for J should be used by the teachers and which for
the students to accompany whichever standard texts are being used? The
J wiki and forums. 12-How should elementary school teachers be convinced
to use J? Availability of good, ready-made materials. 13-Should
students be allowed to use J when taking tests? Yes. 14-Where should
K-G12 teachers obtain their instruction in J? The web, the many books by
Henry Rich, Howard Peelle, and Roger Stokes, etc. 15- With the U.S.’s
rank on PISA math test scores is there a need to improve? Yes. 16. Are
all students likely to benefit from instruction in J or only certain
students? Maybe or maybe not? (See web site listed above.) 17. What
subjects and areas of math are likely to interest K-G12 students? Some
people prefer geometry, others algebra, but most don’t like math. 18.
Would J enable a major improvement in math performance in K-G12? It
couldn’t hurt. 19. What are the arguments against teaching J in
elementary school? Wasting time and resources on something with
follow-up…
5. Raul Miller: 10-What grade to begin J? Maybe G6, could be correct but
does not like the answer—could be it is the wrong question. J should
not be taught in isolation, only with other subject matter, and is
useful only as a part of teaching other topics. Material is needed to
satisfy teachers’ needs. Most important in grade school are study
skills and scientific method. No subject is interesting by itself. It
is easy to ask the wrong questions and it takes time and effort to
create useful and interesting presentations of ideas.
6. Vijay Lulla: He agrees with teaching J as a part of teaching other
topics.
Comments extracted from the J Chat Education Forum:
1. Raul Miller stated we have a few great labs and books. We do not
have extended treatments of topics. We could be doing a much better job
in physics, simulations, and graphics rendering, etc. He often feels we
are not trying to come up with things to support teachers.
2. Skip Cave: Called attention to free online courses in machine
learning, neural networks and neural networks for machine learning. He
cites the need at the institutional level for curriculum support and
assessment tools that could be used in the classroom, for example, Linda
Alvord’s G1Curriculum. A good curriculum does not replace appropriately
informed instructors.
Some Conclusions:
1. J should be taught as part of other subjects.
2. No other language is more desirable than J for use in K-G12.
2. J use should possibly begin in G6.
3. Devon McCormick replied to all 19 questions, which see above (#4).
4. Linda Alvord is planning a monthly topic extension for instruction,
grade by grade, along with J applications of interest.
Thank you to everyone who responded.
I look forward to Linda Alvord’s monthly grade curriculum extensions,
and to any other comments on Chat: J from K-G12.
Lawrence Taylor
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