Posted on 03/10/2016 8:46:15 AM PST by Academiadotorg
A professor found an easier way to study math. Unfortunately, he’s a political scientist.
"I propose an alternative to mathematics, what I call numerical literacy, or for lack of a better phrase, adult arithmetic," Andrew Hacker, a professor emeritus of political science at Queens College said in an interview with the Chronicle of Higher Education. "It's the kind of thing you need to make sense of everything from corporate reports to the federal budget, or to decide whether it's better to buy or lease a car."
"Despite the fact that nearly every young American is made to take algebra and geometry, we rank very low in international rankings of numerical literacy." Speaking of numbers, Hacker is somewhat inconsistent on his. An earlier quote from the same interview seems to belie the "nearly every" assertion.
"Right now, four million American teenagers are in a class studying algebra," he said. "I'm simply asking a question: why?"
Well, in order to answer that question, he might want to compare the "numerical literacy" of earlier generations of high school graduates who were "made to take algebra and geometry" with latter ones who were not.
But if he does succeed in freeing millions from having to do so, he can do a follow-up study on what their math grades really mean.
Methinks he doesn’t know the difference between arithmetic and math.
Could be something to this, but considering that “political science” is a classic oxymoron, tread with caution.
Always remember the laughable math of the climate change physics flunkouts.
Geometry is not mere arithmetic and being taught arithmetic is not enough for learning how to be a product designer or tool engineer.
Formula: take any number and do something with it in regard to some other number will always equal the result you wish to find. See simple!
His ideas are more about political correctness than they are about technical correctness. Math and arithmetic depend on technical correctness more than they do political correctness and without technical correctness you have nothing.
I have a whackjob cousin who majored in “political science.”
It shows.
Not to mention a house painter. Algebra improves reasoning skills in those who master it. Unlike this Political Scientist. Ah well, his approach is easier for the “student” — a continuation of the dumbing down of Americans.
My grandfather insisted I take Accounting rather than geometry. Served me better in the end. I did take geometry later but if they taught practical (the why) aspects of math and science more students would like it. Genetics made biology class make sense, statistics showed me how to use algebra. Welding and baking (different classes) taught me chemistry better than just taking the class because “I was told to”
>>Ah well, his approach is easier for the “student” — a continuation of the dumbing down of Americans.<<
Which will be followed by pleas for increased funding to get grades higher.
Arithmetic is a subset of mathematics. If you know algebra and geometry, then the other skills he advocates for should have been mastered incidental to learning algebra and geometry. Any reasonably intelligent person should be able to learn freshman level university calculus by around age 15. The problem is that it is difficult to persuade any reasonably intelligent person to teach H.S. math. For thing, you have to put up with (literally) infantile colleagues (high faculty). The other problem is that the vast majority of students are convinced that they either cannot master high school math, or will never need it, both of which attitudes become self-fulfilling prophecies.
Mixing in motivated and capable students in the same class room as the aforementioned majority acts to the detriment of the former and adds little of value for the latter. Sort students by performance. Let the “smart” kids learn separately from the dolts. Teach the dolts “shop math” - maybe they will grow up to professors of political science.
Methinks he collects a salary for being a retard.
No, but learning aritmetic is a start, and is necessary to function in society.
Much as I loved geometry, algebra, and the calculus, for many people they are not necessary nor are they appreciated.
It would be “racist” to separate the math students out by ability.
“geometry, algebra, and the calculus, for many people they are not necessary”
Especially if your goal in life is to start off waiting on tables at HOOTERS, work your way up to pole-dancer and then finally achieve “Girlfriend” status at the Playboy mansion in California.
“Teach the dolts “shop math””
I can tell that you haven’t seen many engineering drawings lately.
Let’s say, for the sake of discussion, that people live for about 80 years.
They aren’t doing much their first 10 years and they aren’t doing much their last 10 years.
That gives them roughly 60 good, useful years on this planet.
I am a Christian so please don’t write to me about laying up treasures in heaven. I already know that. I’m writing about the time we have on earth.
So, you have about 60 years to do with as you will.
Will Algebra and Geometry improve these 60 years?
Maybe.
Could failing Algebra and Geometry stigmatize a large portion of our fellow human beings and degrade their 60 years?
Maybe.
I think it’s worth discussing.
If you’re looking for an alternative to starting off waiting on tables at HOOTERS, then working your way up to pole-dancer and later, achieving “Girlfriend” status at the Playboy mansion in California, then yeah.
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