Posted on 07/20/2016 12:30:30 PM PDT by MichCapCon
Michigan State University is the latest public university to tweak its general education curriculum, favoring quantitative courses over traditional math courses.
The math requirement can now be fulfilled by taking two quantitative learning classes as an alternative, though students can choose algebra and one quantitative course, the Lansing State Journal reports.
The one-size-fits-all college algebra approach wasnt working for all students, Vince Melfi, an associate professor of statistics, told the Lansing State Journal.
Previously, MSUs basic math graduation requirement for most students included an algebra class. Students could also test out of the requirement or use transfer credit.
MSU administrators argue that the quantitative learning courses will allow students to better understand maths real-life functions.
An important part of these courses is to go beyond just manipulating symbols on a page and coming up with the right answer, and to reflect on what those answers mean in a specific context, Melfi said, according to Inside Higher Ed. For example, an understanding of probability would prepare students for daily tasks such as understanding a New York Times article on medicine, Inside Higher Ed notes.
Were trying to present mathematics in a way that makes it more accessible and understandable, Melfi said. Much of mathematics was developed in order to understand the real world. When students are encountering questions in their personal or professional lives, they should be thinking about mathematics and quantitative reasoning as tools they might use.
Last month, Wayne State University dropped its university-wide mathematics requirement, and a committee proposed adding a required three-credit-hour diversity course to the general education curriculum.
The university cited adequate high school mathematics requirements as a reason for the curriculum change. "This decision was made largely because the current (math) requirement is at a level already required by most high school mathematics curriculum," WSU said.
According to Inside Higher Ed, Michigan States Provost Doug Estry said the change at his university will mostly affect students who take majors outside of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Others noted that the new quantitative requirement might leave students ill-prepared if they take advanced math courses later in their college careers.
There is some hazard of the student having gotten an inaccurate picture of what advanced mathematics might be like, Thomas Barr of the American Mathematical Society, who supports MSUs new policy, told Inside Higher Ed. But thats not a deep concern, because I believe the sort of student who wants to go on into advanced mathematics will recognize it early on. And if they really have an inclination for that, theyll be able to deal with that transition.
In the 2015-16 fiscal year, MSU received $268.3 million 21.2 percent of its revenues from Michigan taxpayers as state aid. Tuition for in-state undergraduate students is $14,880 in 2016-17, according to MSUs financial aid office.
The university did not respond to a request for comment.
Social justice pies aren’t baked by anyone.
The ingredients do not need to be harvested and turned into edible products.
The pies just magically appear and are “distributed”.
I’m sure Diversity Studies will be mandatory.
How many crack rocks is equal to a gram of blow?
No Math = Retard
Basic Trig and Algebra are everywhere....
“The world needs ditchdiggers too.”
Judge Smails? You know gambling is illegal at Bushwood.
How many crackers bustin’ ass are required to sustain Queeshana, her babies and Babby Daddies?
“I can count to 21 if Im naked. Does that get me a masters?”
This is exactly why women in the workplace get paid less. They can only count to 20. This places them at an unfair disadvantage. However, with all of the new pronouns and surgeries out there, we can fix this problem ... we have the technology ...
Arithmetic (Time, 1.25 hours)
1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50 cts. per bu, deducting 1050 lbs. for tare?
4. District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
5. Find cost of 6720 lbs. coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $.20 per inch?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance around which is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.
My, how times have changed.
Algebra, Geometry, and Trig is HS stuff
“She says 90% of college students are morons! Its no wonder.”
Wadiz a % ???......LOL.......
“She says 90% of college students are morons!”
I seem to recall some years ago the standards were lowered for teachers also....at least here in Flori-DUH? so that the previously unable “to qualify” could become qualified....and —down we went !
I had to take algebra in high school (maybe junior high, I don’t remember). It was required as well as geometry and cursive writing in primary grades. To go to college, calculus was recommended. To not be able to do algebra and graduate college is unbelievable.
The cracka’ cops shot Teyneeka nine times and Lavonika one time. Who be shot most?
I was in the Target store the other day. The young, white male cashier had a bit of a problem and asked a middle-aged black worker nearby a question. Had something to do with change on a $2. purchase.
I sensed it had something to do with counting change or the like. I looked over at the gal, kind of rolled my head and smiled. She grinned and rolled her eyes. It was funny.
“College Algebra” is more like what most high schools call “pre-calculus”, a bit more advanced than freshman high school algebra, but yeah, definitely usually a high school level course.
At least the shopper didn’t offer one of those H->! $3 bills...
You didn’t bake that!!!!
When I was a kid, I thought it was a quart of diesel to a bag of ammonium nitrate. Now I can't remember the weight of a fertilizer bag.
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