School doesn't do that.

by John

School doesn't do that, that was the answer my mother got when she found out that I was dramatically failing the tests for the "times tables".

What doesn't the school do?! well rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.

When two years after "failing" to learn the times tables my dad found out that I only could do the table 2 and 7 fluently.

He should have literally started to drill those tables in, but didn't, thinking that I would learn it as time passes.

This came back at me big time. While doing tests mathematical tests later in my schooling, I found that I did grasp the subjects tested but was to slow in calculating the simplest basic calculations to complete the tests successfully.

I failed on the absolute basics.

And I started at age 23 in my dorm room reciting and rehearsing the times tables till I knew them. (which I am sure took more time than would I have learnt them as a child).

I still tend to forget some of the tables, I need to "recalculate" in those situations.

My point: Parents should KNOW what their children are learning and help out with the homework and memorization aspects of math: Parents should do the drilling.

Schools for sure don't do that.