The Evolution Of Teaching Math

WISN_AM Blog ^ | 4/8/2006 | Dan's ramblings

[RicocheT]

The Evolution Of Teaching Math I got this email and I had to share it.

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Last week I purchased a burger and fries at McDonalds for $3.58.

The counter girl took my $4.00 and I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies. While looking at the screen on her register, I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried.

Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

Teaching Math In 1950

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

Teaching Math In 1960

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

Teaching Math In 1970

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

Teaching Math In 1980

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20 Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

Teaching Math In 1990

A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers.)

Teaching Math In 2005

Un ranchero vende una carretera de madera para $100. El cuesto de la produccion era $80. Cuantos tortillas se puede comprar?

[RicocheT]

And, the teacher's union will fight any attempt to judge the quality of the teacher or the curriculum.

[Always Right]

Teaching Math In 2006

Two male loggers go into the mountains and fall in love. Is love between two people wrong?

[mlc9852]

LOL - perfect!

[Pessimist]

Good one!

[Always Right]

Thanks. Maybe it will become the new ending to this old classic.

[wintertime]

To All:

It is time for resourceful Americans to take charge. Teach your kids yourself. I recommend the Saxon Math books.

My 3 homeschooled kids were in community college at the ages of 13, 12, and 13. They were finished with college level Calculus III and all their college general courses by the age of 15.

The two younger graduated with B.S. degrees in math by the age of 18. The oldest of these two recently finished a masters degree in math at the age of 20.

The oldest is an internationally and nationally ranked athlete. He studied accounting. At the age of 15, he was attending a job fair at his college. A bank in a nearby city offered him a management position with their bank. I believe that he could have done very well in that job even at that young age. He is somewhat behind his two younger siblings but still far ahead of his government schooled contemporaries.