General society places considerable interest in having students know--at speed--their "math facts," suggesting a curious importance of numerical facility as a predictor of math success. And sure, nimble numerical calculation might be important for some facets of life and certain careers. But certainly not all careers! Mathematicians, for instance, are notorious for not being good at mental arithmetic. (Don't ask a mathematician to calculate a restaurant tip!) The Synthesis Tutor works to embrace all approaches to mathematics and all definitions of mathematics success. It works very deliberately to provide visual approaches to seeing -- literally seeing -- and understanding arithmetic calculations, which can then be memorized for speed, if desired, and enjoyed by all for deep understanding and reproduction.
Dyscalculia and dyslexia are challenges for a recognized 20% of our population. The Synthesis Tutor works to offer a series of routes--traditional analytic approaches alongside innovative visual approaches--to bring learning and understanding to all. Students of all backgrounds and experiences will learn to think like mathematicians and become inquisitive and empowered citizens of the 21st century. (And they will be able to work out restaurant tips with ease!)
Methodology