Replies

> I’ll bet you even expect students to get the right answer, too.

There's a basic misunderstanding about "answers" when it comes to Math. [Caution, the following sounds pedantic but it's really meant semi-seriously.]

There is only one "answer" to a Math problem, and it's the one that is correct mathematically. Mathematically incorrect responses are responses, but they do not answer the problem.

The modern groovy, PC motto: "There are no wrong answers" is actually not far off. Because a wrong answer is not an "answer" at all, it's just a mistaken response. "Answering" something with hogwash might work in politics or psychotherapy, but in Math it's just wrong.

There are no "opinions" about a Math problem. There is an answer, and there is everything else which is not an answer.

So to address your comment, No I don't expect students to get the right answer, I mostly expect them to come up with incorrect responses. Teachers are supposed to correct that. I am pleased and delighted when they do get the right answer. :-)

I used to think that, but answer me this

8 / 2(2+2) =

I say it = 1 but consensus says I am wrong