In article ,
Bob Crantz wrote:
Funny you mention this. I recently attended a charter school meeting where
the teachers discussed how they taught mathematics. Many parents were there.
Everyone sat around nodding to the importance of math education (like a
mantra). Yet, of the parents I knew, not one used math beyond addition and
subtraction in their jobs. I asked a few teachers to tell me what
mathematics is in one sentence. They couldn't.

I don't think you can blame the teachers. They're struggling to teach
the basics. I think part of the problem, however, is low
expectations. It's been shown that if you expect more from students,
you tend to get more from them.

Most learning comes from the home, with the school system being a
facilitator. These kids would learn mathematics better if they saw the
importance of it applied in life. Where will they see that?

True in many ways. My pop was an engineer, master machinest, and
inventor. He forced me to learn the multiplication tables, when the
school didn't really press the issue. He also asked me to "help" him
figure out a trig problem of his when I was in grade school. I'll
never forget struggling with the concept, doing the research (which
confounded the math teacher I had when I started asking questions
about sine's, cosines, etc., and finally coming up with a very strange
answer for a dimension (1.00something), which was actually correct.

Mathematics skills, to be kept must be practiced regularly.

1+1 = ummmm...

Then, if one works hard at acquiring and maintaining the skills, they are
usually branded as an "overachiever".

In my case, I'm a chronic under-achiever. :-)

First one is pushed to accomplish something difficult, then when it is done
they are earmarked with some dysfunction and pushed into the corner.

Also true sometimes. My pop had to have a discussion with the teacher
to assure her that it was ok.

When I tell kids on how to become successful, I tell the to look for
loopholes and how to beat the system. Travel the road less travelled, think
out of the box. I even go as far to say that crime may pay and point out
many successful white collar and organizational criminals. Then I point out
that lawyers do all this and more legally!

Sounds like Robert Pirsig.

Become a lawyer - people will fear and respect you!

Correct, according to my mom. :-)

Become a mathematician - people will laugh!

Correct. We always laughed at them in college.



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Capt. JG @@
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