The Evolution Of Teaching Math


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Times sure have changed, read on to see why

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 1950s:

Teaching Math In 1950

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 1960

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 1970

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

make a profit?

Teaching Math In 1980

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 1990

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 2005

Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100. El costo de la

producción es $80 ...

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Times sure have changed, read on to see why

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 1950s:

Teaching Math In 1950

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 1960

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 1970

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

make a profit?

Teaching Math In 1980

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 1990

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 2005

Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100.  El costo de la

producción es $80 ...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

how true...very true.

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LOL, yep, TG, that's right!! I rang a cash register before scanners (yes, I'm that old....) Nowadays, when a cashier goofs and has to make change "the hard way", they cannot do it!! It's amazing how easy it is to be dependent on technology giving the correct answers. And I know I can still ring register punching the keys faster than anyone using a d*mn scanner. I'd be more accurate, too!!

Liz

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