fuzzy mathn.
Mathematics education that de-emphasizes memorization and rote learning in favor of a cooperative approach to solving problems.
Example Citation:
"A method that disdains the notion of adults hierarchically imparting knowledge to kids, integrated math does not require students to memorize multiplication tables, compute fractions or learn other basic skills essential to algebraic success. It's often rightly derided as 'fuzzy math' because of its murky goals, which include, according to one popular integrated math program, 'linking past experience to new concepts, sharing ideas and developing concept readiness through hands-on explorations.'"
—"Old Math, Good Math," Los Angeles Times, January 29, 2000
Notes:
This new approach to teaching math first appeared in the late 80s, and it didn't take long for the various names applied to it to split into two camps. Those in favor of the new methodology called it "constructivist," "integrated math," "whole math," or "new new math." Those opposed labeled it "fuzzy math" (which first appeared in 1994), "Mickey Mouse math," "math lite," or "algebra lite."
