Dr. Craig Hane, known to his students as Dr. Dell, is revolutionizing mathematics education with a practical, real-world approach that challenges decades of traditional teaching methods. In a recent conversation on the Designing with Love podcast, Dr. Hane shared his transformative journey from being told he wasn't "college material" to becoming a mathematics professor, entrepreneur, and educational innovator.
Dr. Hane's journey began with practical mathematics taught by his uncle, a barber and builder who shared real-world applications that put young Craig ahead of his peers. Despite this foundation, Craig struggled with traditional algebra in high school, leading counselors to discourage him from pursuing higher education. This experience highlights a critical flaw in our education system – the disconnect between theoretical mathematics and practical application that continues to alienate countless students.
What makes Dr. Hane's approach revolutionary is his emphasis on practical mathematics that serves real-world needs. He challenges the bloated curriculum that dominates modern textbooks, asserting that "90% of what's in a typical freshman Algebra 1 book shouldn't be there." Instead, he has developed a streamlined curriculum that focuses exclusively on concepts and skills students will actually use. His practical algebra course consists of just 10 lessons that can be completed in about two weeks – a stark contrast to the 16-week courses typical in most educational settings.
The cornerstone of Craig's methodology is embracing modern technological tools. He points to Wolfram Alpha, an internet-based computational knowledge engine launched in 2009, as a game-changing resource that handles complex mathematical operations so students can focus on understanding concepts rather than struggling with manual calculations. This approach mirrors the revolution that scientific calculators brought to mathematics in the 1970s, making slide rules and logarithm tables obsolete overnight.
Dr. Hane's six-tier educational system progressively builds mathematical competency, starting with practical foundations and advancing through higher-level concepts as needed. The first two tiers focus on practical mathematics essential for everyday life. Tier three prepares students for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, while tiers four through six develop advanced skills for STEM fields using modern computational tools.
Perhaps most compelling is Dr. Hane's integration of "wisdom tools" – life lessons and practical knowledge accumulated through decades of experience. These tools extend beyond mathematics to address psychological barriers to learning, decision-making frameworks, and practical life skills. His Triad Math Army combines mathematical education with these wisdom tools, creating a comprehensive development program that serves both academic and personal growth.
The implications for educational design are profound. Dr. Hane challenges instructional designers and educators to rethink curriculum development, questioning the value of traditional mathematical sequences and highlighting the importance of teaching students how to learn rather than memorizing procedures they'll never use. As artificial intelligence tools continue to evolve, the ability to understand concepts and apply them through technology becomes increasingly valuable.
Dr. Hane's approach represents a paradigm shift in mathematical education – one that aligns perfectly with the needs of modern learners in a technology-driven world. By focusing on practical applications, embracing technological tools, and teaching students how to learn, this methodology promises to make mathematics more accessible, relevant, and enjoyable for all students.
🔗Website and Social Links
Please visit Dr. Hane's website and social media links below.
Triad Math Army X Social Media Page
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