Why Johnny Can't Add

Why Johnny Can't Add: The Failure of the New Math (1973) Morris Kline's analysis of mathematics education examines the widespread adoption of "New Math" in American schools during the 1960s and early 1970s. The book documents the shift from traditional arithmetic instruction to an abstract, set theory-based approach influenced by the Bourbaki school of mathematical thought. The text outlines specific problems with the New Math curriculum through examples from textbooks and classroom practices. Kline presents the perspectives of teachers, parents, and students who struggled with this dramatic change in mathematical instruction methods. This critique sparked national debate about mathematics education and influenced subsequent reforms in American schools. The work raises fundamental questions about how mathematical concepts should be taught and what constitutes effective pedagogy for different age groups.

Readers appreciate Kline's clear explanation of how "New Math" reforms in the 1960s-70s created problems in math education. Many reviewers note the book remains relevant today, with similar issues in modern math curriculum. Positive comments focus on: - Clear examples showing impractical abstract concepts taught to young students - Historical context of math education changes - Practical suggestions for improvement Common criticisms: - Some dated references and examples - Can be repetitive in later chapters - A few readers found the tone overly negative Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (12 ratings) One reader on Goodreads noted: "As a math teacher, this helped me understand why certain teaching approaches fail." An Amazon reviewer wrote: "The problems Kline identified in 1973 are exactly what my kids struggle with today." LibraryThing readers gave it positive marks for readability but noted it works better as historical documentation than current prescription.

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🔢 Published in 1973, the book directly influenced the eventual retreat from New Math in American schools by the late 1970s 📚 Kline wrote over 15 mathematics books, including the highly regarded "Mathematics in Western Culture" (1953) 🎓 As a professor at New York University (1938-1975), Morris Kline established one of the first university programs focused on mathematics education 🧮 The "New Math" movement was partially sparked by Cold War competition after the Soviet launch of Sputnik in 1957 📖 The book's title plays on the 1955 bestseller "Why Johnny Can't Read" by Rudolf Flesch, which similarly criticized educational trends of its era