Right, I wasn't debating that showing the process isn't needed, I agree it's necessary to know how to do so. My point was that to that student it seems silly and they become resistant to doing so. For my eldest DS, it took a very understanding AP Calc teacher to show him why it was a good thing to write down the process and visually digest it as well as computing it in his head.
Right again; I also wasn't trying to imply anything about your message. I was primarily writing out ideas because I think it's worthwhile to write them out.
I'm going through this process with my eldest and even my youngest (barely 8). Both of them have minds that race, and trying to teach them that writing it all out can be a good thing is a challenge.
