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The Evolution of Math in the United States

WackoBirdKeeper

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The Evolution of Math in the United States



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 1960s...


Teaching Math In 1960

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 1970

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 1980

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



T eaching Math In 1990

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 2000

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 2006

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

rah

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29/3/06
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Very true!

Since 1963 our SAT scores have dropped over 75%. Our aid to social issues has increased by 500% Our aid to schools has skyrocketed. COULD YOU DEDUCT THAT MONEY MAY NOT BE THE PROBLEM!.

As a teacher of students 40 years ago and seeing what my grandchildren are learning today I am astounded at what is occuring in our education system today. When they were attending a private Christian school I noticed a curriculum that made the student work and now in a public school (because of moving to a new town) a wishy washy plan of teaching them with more concern about things that really don't matter versus substance. Phonics, Math, Science and English were emphasized in the private school. As a side note they were also taught the golden rule which would go a long way in America today.
 

joeyz400

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That is so true. My wife is a 1st grade teacher and can't believe how it is now. There is no discipline in this very liberal teaching system and the parents and child is always right, the teacher has no backing. This new style of teaching is breeding a new generation of dummies! When we were younger school was harder and there was ways to discipline a child now if you say some thing to a child it is singling them out and the teacher gets in trouble. Oh well.....
 

rah

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I would never survive as a teacher today. I would probably mame somebody if they talked and acted back at me like I have seen at some school functions. Teachers are now becoming baby sitters (not their fault) and have very little or no power to discipline or even teach. If a child is disciplined they are at risk of losing their job with little or no support from administration or school board. They are more interested in making sure we don't offend someone by some action we take.
 

WackoBirdKeeper

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rah said:
I would never survive as a teacher today. I would probably mame somebody if they talked and acted back at me like I have seen at some school functions. Teachers are now becoming baby sitters (not their fault) and have very little or no power to discipline or even teach. If a child is disciplined they are at risk of losing their job with little or no support from administration or school board. They are more interested in making sure we don't offend someone by some action we take.

It's sad but true. We live in a society of political correctness that extends to the point that history has been changed to comply with these rediculous standards. Why do I say this? Well, look at the censorship of the Little Rascals, Tom Sawyer, etc. You can't change what has happened. As a matter of fact, those that do not learn from history are condemned to relive it. Anyone remember who said that????
 

coop

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They have even censored the old Bugs Bunny cartoons! It seems that EVERYONE is offend over the least little thing these days! We all need to grow some thicker skin!
:shock:
 

takashi

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Speaking about maths... The Maths part of today's SAT is comparable to the standard of a primary 6 (grade 6) school kids over here in Singapore. It's just too easy for the kids over here (majority will have no trouble scoring 700/800 and up).
 

e36wchmstr

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8/5/06
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I am dumbfounded by the amount of semi-retarded graduates coming from our so called school system these days.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm no math wiz. Tangible math, no problem; however conceptual is harder for me to grasp; yet I can still understand it with patience and studying. 3x tries taken to pass College Algebra, yet I measure convert add/mult/div/exp on a daily basis at my work without problems.

For simple math, like currency..and it's not even currency as the topic; it's a simple metric system...everything based on 10; there is no reason whatsoever that a student over the age of maybe 5 should not be able to add or subtract without a calculator. The problem is the focus has changed from teaching how to do something, to focusing on how to do it efficiently with the help of an aid (think any time regulated test, SAT, FCAT, anything.). You have to be proficient with the acceptable tools provided; yet they seem to have forgotten about what happens where there are no tools, when you have to determine the correct answer with the only useful tool any of us have..our brains.
 

rawbarZ7

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16/5/06
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Don't get me started on this. Drives me crazy.

They want to lower passing test grades so that more do. Are they doing this in China and India? Don't think so. But we have to dumb ourselves down becau...

Oh forget it. My blood boils. My 60 year old godmother was just relieved of her teaching duties after she put her hand on a student (an 11 year old that was threatening her and her class). But it is the teachers' fault and not the worthless parents, right?

RB
 

takashi

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sue this... sue that... One of the most common things that some Americans does which I dislike.
 

sailboat641

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rah said:
I would never survive as a teacher today. I would probably mame somebody if they talked and acted back at me like I have seen at some school functions.

I believe you meant "maim", not mame. :D

You are definitely right about public education in the US these days. I remember when everything had to be done without a calculator. These days kids can't even do simple math in their heads......even basic addition and subtraction.......
 

cybee

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...answer: 20 encheeladas...Hello from Mexifornia... :)
 

joeyz400

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We can thank Bill Cosby for not having the Little Rascles on TV anymore.
 

rah

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sailboat you are right. maim is correct. You see I am a product of sight spelling and not phonics.

Another progressive education method that did not work.