Sunday, October 05, 2003
TISCO Foundation Knowledge Poster
I noticed that the scrap books given to student throughout Thailand contained outdated information. Measurements table were outdated and no consistent with present day usage. Some currency tables contained currency and denominations no longer in use.
Most importantly , I felt that the multiplication table in use contains a major logical flaw. I felt that by teaching " 1 times 2 "is" 2" to young children creates a gap in the logical process. I felt that "is" is not a good substitute for "equals". I understand that "is" is a good way to teach children in a sing-song way for rote learn. But it is precisely the point. We have always complained that Thai education only promotes rote learning and not thinking. So why do we have these old fashioned multiplication tables?
The arithmetic of multiplication is that both sides of the equal sign(=) are equal. The multiplication table I learned as a child use the equal sign (=). The diagonal line was the square of each number. The numbers also should start from 0, in this new age of technology so that children would know that" 1 times 0 equals 0".