Fifty Years of Math
1957 - 2007
Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when 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 1950's:
1. Teaching Math In 1950's
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit ?
2. Teaching Math In 1960's
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?
3. Teaching Math In 1970's
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math In 1980's
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.
5. Teaching Math In 1990's
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.
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, and if you feel like crying, it's ok. )
6. Teaching Math In 2007
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?
Friday, August 15, 2008
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15 comments:
This is why I choose private school, and least math is taught and my kids can add.
Ha! Wait, did she really cry?
Or it could be like in our school district now - we'll teach you seven different ways to do the same thing until you find the best way for you to understand it, but when you get to the middle school you'll only be able to do it the standard way if you don't want to fail.
That to me is the perfect summation of how our schools have dumbed down the curriculum.
So true! Thank goodness my kids are lucky enough to go to a really good public school!
That is the funniest saddest fact I have ever heard!! And they try to make us think the kids know so much more than we did "back in the day"...The basics have been forgotten.
That is hilarious. I love when your total is $5 and change and you give them $11. They about freak out.
Huh. Makes you wonder how all this software code got written so that we can blog about the stupid kids today.
The irony is this is true. I have recently gone back to college and was put into a "learning support" math class by accident. The class was over the limit and I had to get permission to join. Then the error was found! BUT for the few days I sat in the class I found a room full of out of high school numbsculls that couldn't tell the difference between greater then and less then.
I stopped by to visit you off of "Where the Hell are my Penguins"
OK. This is really good. It passed the "I must read this to my wife" test. (And not many posts survive this process.)
Off you go to my blogroll. As Senator Palpatine put it so eloquently:
"We will watch your career with great interest."
HAHAHA! That was AWESOME! I am only laughing hard because some how with all that crazy teaching, I managed to master the math thing.(Oh wait, that means I'm old) ALL other subjects I did...well....not so good:(
That is so true! In several of our school districts they teach "new math" in which there is no wrong answer as long as you believe what you answered is right. What has the world come to?
LOL!!
Oh, my, this is funny, but also so sad.
I am thankful also that my kids go to a great school.
Yikes!
So did the poor girl get the fifty cents figured out?
So true which is what makes it so funny (or scary)?
Thanks for dropping by Maccabags and thanks especially for your kind comments - and a slap on my wrist for not acknowledging sooner.
I have been reading your blog for a little while now - came to yours from Kathi D's - you regular commenters on her blog are so funny when you all get into conversation. I'm big into smiling, so keep it up - both blogging and commenting!
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