For my capstone project, I am going to focus on the subject of common-core math, also known as “new-new math.” Common-core math has become a subject of great contention. On one side, there are those who believe that common-core math is easier for non-math enabled children and thus is a step in the direction of student success. Meanwhile, others believe that common core introduces tougher concepts at a lower level, in turn advancing students faster and allowing them to become smarter and more successful. However, not everyone is in favor of common-core math. A section of people believe that common-core overcomplicates math, making simple concepts incredibly difficult and causes issues with learning. These people also claim that common-core math takes illogical and longer routes to solving simple problems. For my project, I intend to show both sides of the argument. However, my research has shown favor towards the people against common-core math.
For my two media pieces, I will be using an original infographic and a video mash. In the infographic, I intend to present both sides of the issue, their facts, observations, and opinions. I think this will work well because it will be straightforward and I can use a voiceover to help explain things. For the video, I will find news stories and clip them into a video showing what the media is portraying the issue and different sides like. I feel these media types are best because they include visuals (math is visual) and audio (to explain the visuals).
DTC Capstone Project Overview of Topic: I am looking at common-core math and each side to the issue of whether it is a good thing or not.
— Lauren Emerson (@9Monte9) November 5, 2015
One side does like common-core math. They claim that it makes math easier to understand for children who are not inherently good at math.
— Lauren Emerson (@9Monte9) November 5, 2015
Another side believes that common-core math allows younger students to learn higher levels of math, because CC integrates math earlier.
— Lauren Emerson (@9Monte9) November 5, 2015
Yet another view is that common-core math is detrimental to math programs. They claim that it makes simple math problems way too complex.
— Lauren Emerson (@9Monte9) November 5, 2015
For my project, I will create a website and, on that website, I will include an infographic with a voiceover and a mix-up/mash-up video.
— Lauren Emerson (@9Monte9) November 5, 2015