Unavailability of the Traditional Way of "Tricking into Learning Mathematics"
As one who makes a specialty of mathematics education, I regard the recent situation of mathematics education is of a kind of crisis.
The tendency of children's "leaving mathematics" is evident. It is not true that "leaving mathematics" is a new phenomenon. But there is a following characteristic in this case. That is, learners feel free to leave mathematics. They are free from the illusion of "It may be dangerous to stop trying to understand" that worked well before now to controll learners.
In fact, "leaving mathmatics" is worried about only from the standpoint of "looking over the future of the society (not of an individual)". It would be rare that an individual is retaliated in a serious way by her/his own "leaving mathematics" in the past. And one would not be anxious about her/his "leaving mathematics" if "leaving mathematics" is prevalent in the society.
By nature, mathematics is a tool for production. And because it is an excellent tool, it is made to be a school subject. Thus, if one choose a non-productive way of life, that is, if s/he decides to live as a consumer leaving the production to others, mathematics is no use for her/him.
Historically, educators have been manipulating such a discourse as suppress this fact. That is, "General Discipline". Indeed, a reason is required when people are made to learn mathematics, and this reason cannot be other than "General Discipline".
Surely, "General Discipline" is real. It is a fact of our physical system. But it cannot be explained by using language. If the style/quality of those who are excellent at mathematics suits the popular taste, people might become willing to accept this "General Discipline" though it is invisible. But, that style/quality is not such a thing as people wish for.
I declare : The reasoning of mathematics education by using "General Discipline" is not available now. Children of today are not tricked by this way of rationalizing mathematics learning.
