Posted on 03/28/2016 5:07:09 PM PDT by Olog-hai
Who needs algebra?
That question muttered by many a frustrated student over the years has become a vigorous debate among American educators, sparked by a provocative new book that argues required algebra has become an unnecessary stumbling block that forces millions to drop out of high school or college.
“One out of 5 young Americans does not graduate from high school. This is one of the worst records in the developed world. Why? The chief academic reason is they failed ninth-grade algebra,” said political scientist Andrew Hacker, author of “The Math Myth and Other STEM Delusions.”
Hacker, a professor emeritus at Queens College, argues that, at most, only 5 percent of jobs make use of algebra and other advanced math courses. He favors a curriculum that focuses more on statistics and basic numbers sense and less on (y – 3)2 = 4y – 12.
“Will algebra help you understand the federal budget?” he asked. …
(Excerpt) Read more at bigstory.ap.org ...
I think reading is the real stumbling block. Eliminate that requirement, and lots of people could get advanced degrees of all kinds.
For that one needs a Ouija board.
I had a math teacher say
“The world needs ditch diggers too”
It about developing a thought process to solve problems. You either have “it” or you don’t
Number theory is much worse:
“Prove that for every positive integer n there exists an n-digit number divisible by 5n all of whose digits are odd.”
Yeah, right....
I’ve seen cases made for pushing calculus to the more solid STEM side of things and making statistics more front-and-center for the average student, but how could one possibly argue against algebra? It’s the basis of all higher math. It also happens to be pretty damned easy.
No they ain't neither.
Algebra is one of the most racist subjects, perhaps even more racist than Citizenship and Attendance.
Good point.
> I looked at algebra as a logical thought process
>
> So even though many people won’t need the hard mechanics,
> the thought process can be applied elsewhere
That’s what I tell my kids about all the higher math studies; geometry, trigonometry, and analytical geometry and calculus.
And it’s true.
Besides, I use algebra to solve a lot of problems daily.
For example, if you have a photo that is n pixels in height, how many pixels in width do you need to set it on a background with a 16:9 aspect ratio?
16 x
— = -—
9 n
Solving for x,
16n
x = -—
9
Algebra could be taught in one week.
I use maybe 10 equations in life, each year...
Because it originiated in Baghdad?
Yes indeed but we need to explain why we need it. We need to explain to kids that if they want to make $25 an hour out of high school, they need the tools to learn a trade that uses algebra and geometry.
All you got's to know is you gotta not be dissed an' vote for the Dimocrats...!
I actually used algebra in my life to good effect.
Teach it. There may be a case for some geometry, but not much. ;)
if Algebra is so important and necessary, then the teachers should do a better job of teaching and preparing the students to learn algebra.
Teachers are paid to teach.
They are not paid to occupy a desk.
Learning algebra lets students apply “lower math”. You may not use algebra at starbucks but the extra application of “lower math” will help you make change for a dollar.
Learning algebra teaches students “how to learn”. Too many students (and then employees) don’t know how to learn. Students should be stretched in a number of areas, some of them “hard” for every student (math, reading comprehension, professional writing, science, etc). They may end up in a job where those areas are used. In most cases they will not use it but will be able to learn whatever they need for the career they choose.
We should bring back vocational training (like metal-shop). If some students and their parents really want I’m ok with them skipping algebra and taking fast-food-shop. At least learn to make change for a dollar and keep your hand out of that bubbling liquid the fries go in and maybe practice speaking English and being polite.
WTF?
What is so hard about algebra?
Are the illegals who couldn’t make in their own country because they are genetically disabled mentally supposed to be given another free ride through high school?
Obama:”you flunked out of your own country, but we will make sure you are taken care of here in return for your votes.”
I think the man has a point.
I often use algebra in everyday life. I had a construction project to build bookshelves on a wall in my basement that had a permanent obstruction in the center of the wall. Thus there was a length of wall L1 to the left of the obstruction and a greater length L2 to the right. I wanted the result to look symmetric, in spite of this starting asymmetry.
My approach was to make shelf units of two widths: a wider W1 and a narrower W2, widths to be determined. To the left, I figured I could place a W2 + W1 combo, and to the wider right, I would place a W1 + W2 + W2 combo.
Thus,
W1 + W2 = L1
and
W1 + 2W2 = L2
Since L1 and L2 were determined by the geometry of the wall, one uses algebra to determine that W2 = (L2 - L1) and W1 = (2L1 - L2).
They look fantastic and give the wall a symmetric appearance and the units themselves are of symmetric and comparable width on both sides.
The net effect is pleasing to the eye:
|___|____|XX|____|___|___|
|___|____|XX|____|___|___|
|___|____|XX|____|___|___|
|___|____|XX|____|___|___|
|___|____|XX|____|___|___|
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