Why Study Math



At a party, a man told me he still remembered the quadratic formula (this must be some sort of status symbol as lots of people brag about remembering it) but he didn't know why he ever had to learn it . He bemoaned the fact that he never uses it in his business.  He the went on to complain about all the math classes he took, time he feels was wasted.

This man was reasonable (probably due to all the math he has taken) and listened to my pro math arguments.  First, I pointed out that studying mathematics is just part of a well rounded education and part of what makes a person educated.  I never used the Shakespeare I was forced to study, never liked it much, but I am happy I was forced to study it.  Now I can intelligently discuss what and why I don't like his works.  Next I pointed out how mathematics teaches reasoning skills.  I teach my students that delving into a math problem and being able to read between the lines will help them in literature, history and everything else. Also, people respect math and the ability to learn it, and learn it well gives an individual an edge in the job market.  I have even heard that medical schools like to pepper their student bodies with math majors.  Finally, young people often don't know what they are interested in and what sort of career to pursue.  If they don't study math, they will never have the opportunity of knowing whether this subject is one that sparks their interest.

At this party I got a strange look because I never read Moby Dick.  Why do people see a problem with missing a piece of literature but no problem with missing entire fields of mathematics.

Two Term Vs. Four Term



A mom just asked me the difference between four term algebra and two term algebra.  I began my answer the text book way, explaining how four term class is for weaker students, students who scored 1 or 2 on eighth grade assessments.  But then, I thought and added to my response.

From my experience, kids in a four term class do not get the same sort of math education as kids in the two semester sequence.  The majority of the students are weak and the material is watered down. Teaching to the bottom ignores students at the top and their chances of advancing are negligible.   Many students have emotional problems and discipline is not what it should be so there is lots of wasted time.  Most students in a four term sequence never end up with a good enough foundation to go on in math and successfully complete geometry and trigonometry.  (Don't jump on me, I know there are exceptions, I've taught those kids but they are few and far between.)

As someone who has been in the situation, I would prefer my child end up in a two term class if college is in future plans.  I would try to get him as much extra help as possible.  I would gladly accept a lower grade as I know my child has ended up learning the curriculum.  I have seen too many students dropped from two term to four term classes because they struggled in the beginning.  Everyone worries more about statistics than education and the four term classes have become dumping grounds.  I would want my child to strive to do the best possible in a difficult class rather than be the best in a situation that will not help him succeed at all.

(Portugal photos updated on Facebook.)

More Than A Step Behind



A group of low-level freshman heard me talking about calculator use being forbidden in the college classes I teach.  He heard this as he was handing his ID card in to get a calculator for the days lesson.  I heard him say, "Mr., why do you make us use calculators when we won't be able to use them in college?"  The boy was clearly disturbed about the caliber of education he was receiving.

I left before I heard the teachers answer so I don't know how he justified calculator use to this student but I do know the AP of the department is demanding that all classes use a calculator daily.  Education and college readiness is not a step behind statistics, it is the being on the first step of the staircase  leading to the top of the Empire State Building behind.