Teaching to Intuition: Mathematics

Through very practical strategies that teachers can immediately borrow for their classes, Teaching to Intuition seeks to address the widespread estrangement from mathematics displayed by many.


Focusing on essential elementary and middle school topics, at that early stage where the gaps begin and where too many children lose ground and lose hope, Teaching to Intuition seeks to reconcile students with mathematics itself. It proposes strategies to connect the facts and processes of mathematics to our children’s intimate sense of understanding and helps them see mathematics as an emanation of realities and thinking structures that are already theirs.

A new approach to what it means to know math 

On traditionally challenging topics that some students never master, the approach helps students discover how easy it really is, and the hurdle just disappears with concrete, practical examples on essential K-8 topics.

Reimagining what it means to know math

Helps students discover math as a reflection of their own experience.. This leads not only to better, more useful knowledge but to greater confidence and enjoyment of the learning process.

Extract from: Customer Review on Amazon by Steven T. Abell, author of "Days in Midgard: A Thousand Years On"

5.0 out of 5 stars If you teach math, you must read this. Edric Cane’s “Teaching to Intuition” is the book you must read if you teach mathematics in K-12.

 

I approached this book with reservations. I am somewhat allergic to the word “intuition”, which is often just a front for vague, subjective, and sloppy thinking. What “intuitive” needs to mean is an appeal to an analogy that needs no explanation to anyone. The trick is to find the right analogy. This author’s analogies are right on the money. Seriously.

 

There is no baloney in this book, no unnecessary polysyllables, no education-class-lingo or social-science-speak. Dr. Cane has a point to make (several, actually) and he gets right down to it. This is not a workbook for students. It is practical advice for teachers, whether professionals in the classroom or parents in the home. And I found it fun to read. You might, too, even if you don’t have a math degree.

 

So do yourself a favor. Get yourself a treat. Buy this book and read it before you stand in front of your students again.

Amazon Review of Teaching to Intuition: Mathematics

Great insight toward teaching math. Use of the natural human spirit and intuitive ability to succeed. I found it awe-inspiring and useful.

– A. K. Buckroth

The Moving Words Review:

Edric Cane’s “Teaching to Intuition: Mathematics, Reimagining What It Means to Know Math” is a thought-provoking and innovative work that redefines the traditional approach to teaching mathematics. This book stands as a comprehensive guide for educators seeking to foster a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts in their students. In a field often dominated by memorization and formulaic approaches, Cane advocates for a methodology rooted in intuition and discovery, making mathematics a natural extension of everyday reasoning.


The book is divided into chapters that explore fundamental mathematical principles through relatable and real-world analogies. Cane’s approach revolves around demystifying abstract mathematical rules by aligning them with intuitive understanding. The central thesis is that students learn better when they can link mathematical concepts to intuitive knowledge, rather than merely memorizing rules or following procedures. This makes the book particularly beneficial for K-12 teachers, parents, and anyone involved in educational curriculum design.



One of the standout elements of “Teaching to Intuition” is its use of everyday scenarios to illustrate complex ideas. For example, in the chapter titled “At the Checkout Counter,” Cane demonstrates how common shopping experiences can highlight mathematical properties such as the commutative property of addition and the structure of operations. This approach is refreshing, as it brings mathematics to life by showing its application outside the classroom, making it easier for students to grasp.


Cane’s ability to explain difficult concepts in a straightforward manner is another strength of the book. Rather than getting lost in academic jargon, he breaks down topics like negative number operations and the order of operations using what he calls “bubbles” and a “vertical number line.” These visual tools enable students to visualize and manipulate numbers in a way that aligns with their intuitive understanding, thereby fostering a more meaningful learning experience. His method encourages discovery and active participation, making learning both engaging and effective.


Moreover, Cane’s passion for addressing the long-standing challenges of math education is evident throughout the book. He articulates his concern over students’ aversion to mathematics and offers solutions to reverse this trend. The book is not only a manual for better teaching but also a call to action for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and impart mathematical knowledge.


“Teaching to Intuition” is distinguished by its practical applications and the clarity with which it conveys its message. The book is filled with real-life success stories and testimonials from educators and students who have benefited from Cane’s methods. These anecdotes serve as a testament to the effectiveness of the approach and offer inspiration to educators who wish to create similar impacts in their classrooms.


Overall, Edric Cane’s “Teaching to Intuition” is an essential read for anyone invested in making mathematics accessible and enjoyable. The book’s emphasis on intuition, combined with its practical strategies and tools, equips educators to nurture a genuine understanding of mathematics in their students. Whether you are an experienced teacher or a parent looking to support your child’s mathematical journey, this book provides valuable insights and techniques that are sure to transform your approach to teaching and learning math.