Should Maths be taught in School ????

[mrspunkysmom]

That is hilarious.

Stepping on the soapbox and putting on my flame-retardant suit.....

As a teacher of students of mathematics I think we should learn math. And really learn it. Our students set their sights too low.

What are the other disciplines I think our children should study?

Language, at least two. I wish I had seriously studied a foreign language to mastery.

Sciences

Histories and Social Studies

Arts

And Physical Education. Too many of our students are not active enough. Intramural sports should be emphasized in schools again.

And we need to quit complaining about how hard it is.

[phesina]

That looks like a pretty good list to me. Don't they do these subjects now?

What DO they study in school these days?

[mrspunkysmom]

They study it but not in too much detail or much detail at all and they don't really learn it, especially the mathematics and sciences. Before my mom was really sick and passed away, she could still perform arithmetic calculations by hand, including fractions. She could also recite some childhood poems memorized and learned in school.

It seems that our youth are not held accountable for their education any more.

And this can lead to a whole other discussion on accountability.

That looks like a pretty good list to me. Don't they do these subjects now?

What DO they study in school these days?

[wombat2u2004]

They study it but not in too much detail or much detail at all and they don't really learn it, especially the mathematics and sciences. Before my mom was really sick and passed away, she could still perform arithmetic calculations by hand, including fractions. She could also recite some childhood poems memorized and learned in school.

It seems that our youth are not held accountable for their education any more.

And this can lead to a whole other discussion on accountability.

I blame the teachers.
(Wom locks himself in his room so Anne can't get him)

[mrspunkysmom]

I blame the teachers.
(Wom locks himself in his room so Anne can't get him)

You and everybody else. They tell you to hold the students accountable, yet "notice" when you have too many failures.

[smokey the elder]

(asbestos suit on) I blame No Child Left Behind, a good idea that had horrendous unintended consequences. The extreme example of this is the Georgia cheating scandal, where the teachers actually altered the answers on standardized tests.

As far as math instruction goes, IMO there is no substitute for the practice/drills that used to be done in elementary school. Math is at the root of all scientific disciplines, as well as accounting and economics. Did you know that compound interest calculation is actually what is called a "differential equation", which is quite advanced math?

(asbestos suit retired.)

[mrspunkysmom]

Sadly, I've never explored the compound interest formula that far, having only one course in DE in college.

[mrspunkysmom]

(asbestos suit on)

As far as math instruction goes, IMO there is no substitute for the practice/drills that used to be done in elementary school. Math is at the root of all scientific disciplines, as well as accounting and economics.

(asbestos suit retired.)

Yes, and the reason these students do not do as well later in math is that the drills are no longer required. It is considered beneath our students and a waste of time.

[lvpets2002]

LOL This is all just too funny.. Pat I dont think its What Do they study == More Than Its What They Do Not Study in Schools..

That looks like a pretty good list to me. Don't they do these subjects now?

What DO they study in school these days?

[Husky_mom]

Oh dear God!!..

I´m not a math person.. I hate them.. but what is with this people.. lol.. seems they chose not to take math.. or any other not math :P at all..

it seemed like a made up vid.. but it´s really not that far from the truth.. sadly..


my on topic real answer would be : yes, basic math should be taught.. the kind of math for everyday use.. all of the more complex, advanced, etc.. should be left for those that really like them, understand them and will use them in their lifes/work

[Karen]

For those who are confused, this is a take-off on a question that was actually asked of pageant contestants - "Should evolution be taught in schools."

Here is that video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkBmh...layer_embedded

I don't think anyone seriously thinks math should not be taught.

[mrspunkysmom]

I don't think anyone seriously thinks math should not be taught.

You haven't met any of my students or their parents. Their idea of learning math is "show me how to do it on the calculator."

A lot of this has to do with the lack of importance placed on it in elementary schools.

[Vette]

Im for all kinds of math being taught but only if 'everyone' learns it. not be like my elementary math teachers who gave the answers to any the student/s when their usual teaching methods didnt work.