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NEW MATH

carlizard

Active Member
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 1960s:

1. Teaching Math In 1950s(when I was in school)

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 1970s

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 1980s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit ?Yes or No

4. Teaching Math In 1990s

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 2000s

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, and if you feel like crying, it's ok).

6. Teaching Math In 2014

Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

ANSWER: His profit was $375,000 because his logging business is just a front for his pot farm.
 
I have to correct the thinking on this one. As a father of a 26, 19 and 10 year old and including myself I have first hand experience in the last four time frames described in this bit. While I HATE the current curriculum that has been Federally rammed down our throats I would argue that my kids generation learn a much deeper and complex math base than I ever did or my father before me. My current fifth grader is studying stuff I never encountered until high school. It has been that way for quite a while. What is messed up is the WAY they teach basic math. All the little methods and shortcuts we do in our head as routine goes right over their head. It is very much like what I call "book smart and street stupid" in many ways. The teach kids to test and score well on the mandated standards tests. They don't teach them how to apply things to real life. It's all about the dollars like everything else.
 
I have to correct the thinking on this one. As a father of a 26, 19 and 10 year old and including myself I have first hand experience in the last four time frames described in this bit. While I HATE the current curriculum that has been Federally rammed down our throats I would argue that my kids generation learn a much deeper and complex math base than I ever did or my father before me. My current fifth grader is studying stuff I never encountered until high school. It has been that way for quite a while. What is messed up is the WAY they teach basic math. All the little methods and shortcuts we do in our head as routine goes right over their head. It is very much like what I call "book smart and street stupid" in many ways. The teach kids to test and score well on the mandated standards tests. They don't teach them how to apply things to real life. It's all about the dollars like everything else.

I absolutely agree. On the other hand I just had a cashier fail to give me correct change when I gave her a $20 and the right amount of change to get a $10 back. These are things we do in our head, but they rely on what the computer change machine tells them and when they key in the $20 and then get correct change the computer does not have an answer for them.
 
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