Category Archives: Eric A. Nelson

Visual Models, Procedural Fluency, and Multiple Strategies:A Cognitive Critique of Common Core Elementary Mathematics

Posted on 28/06/2026 by Qianruo Shen

https://nonpartisaneducation.org/Review/Reviews/v22n1.html by Qianruo Shen Abstract: This paper examines the cognitive and curricular problems of Common Core elementary mathematics. Through analysis of Big Ideas Math and related instructional practices, it argues that, visual representations are employed excessively and without sufficient transition … Continue reading →

Posted in Common Core, constructivism, Curriculum & Instruction, Education policy, Eric A. Nelson, International Tests, K-12, math, Mathematics, Qianruo Shen, STEM | Tagged automaticity, cognitive science, conceptual, discovery learning, inquiry learning, memorization, PISA, standard algorithm, TIMSS, understanding | Leave a comment

Cognitive Science and the Common Core

Posted on 09/07/2017 by Eric Nelson

New in the Nonpartisan Education Review: Cognitive Science and the Common Core Mathematics Standards by Eric A. Nelson Abstract Between 1995 and 2010, most U.S. states adopted K–12 math standards which discouraged memorization of math facts and procedures. Since 2010, … Continue reading →