Sputnik gave rise to the "New Math". So history tells us - but what is the meaning of this? Let's see if we arrive at a reasonable understanding of the statement. Was it Sputnik itself? Of course not - it was the technology Sputnik represented. But what has this to do with math? Is advanced technology based on math? Largely, yes. Therefore, if the Soviet Sputnik demonstrated advanced Soviet technology, and if technology is based on math, then - then what? Well, at this point, we merely know there needs to be an emphasis on math, right? There is no indication there is a need for a revised curriculum.
There must be something lacking in the system - more than an emphasis is needed. We must not be satisfied with the current math system - and are in need of a new math system.
A reasonable explanation? I think so. But what would constitute "the New Math"? Why were we not satisfied with the old system? What was wrong with the old system? What WAS the old system? In a situation like this, should we scrap the old system in favor of a new system, or get the most we can from the existing system?
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