The Conservative Cave
Current Events => General Discussion => Topic started by: CG6468 on May 13, 2012, 09:11:32 AM
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Received in an email, but this echoes my thoughts for many years now. I've done this to the dumb ass cashiers at fast good joints.
Subject: Teaching Math: Now and Then (this is better than it sounds)
New, New Math
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 1960s (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 2010
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.
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:-) Tell me 'bout it.
Started working on sons eagle scout project yesterday, some simple benches for his school. I made him calculate how much "sacrete" was needed to anchor the 4"x4" post in an 8" dia. hole. He was sharp enough figure the volume of the hole and subtract for the post....then I explained that the post would actually be
3 1/2" x 3 1/2"...so it was back to the drawing board...good so far.
Now comes the problem. If 25 80 lbs. bags of sacrete will do 45 sq. ft. of 4" thick concrete, how many cu. ft. in a bag and how many bags does it take to anchor each post. :-)
Many wrong calculations later he finally stumbled upon a correct answer.... :lmao:
I'm so mean.... :lmao:
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Ahh, but your son is learning the basics, the basics that used to be normal!
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Ahh, but your son is learning the basics, the basics that used to be normal!
CG nails it. H5 given.
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Even worse than the math are the astounding number of people in the US who do not know the difference between the words "of" and "have". It makes me both facepalm and shudder for the future when I read, "could of", "should of", "would of", and even "may of". I wonder where the English teachers were in those peoples' lives. Didn't they correct any papers? Did they not go to the student and take a minute or two to explain it? If I were and English teacher there is no way I let a kid out of my class without understanding this.
I've been banned on forums for correcting this despite the service to humanity I am attempting to give. I explain to them how much of a moron they come across with absurdity demonstrating sentences such as, "do you of any money I can borrow?" I will not give up my personal crusade to teach every dumbass to understand the difference no matter how many forums ban me. If I teach just one person then it will have been worth it.
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"less" mixed up with "fewer" drives me nuts.
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The thread is ill-titled.
"Regress" means to return to a place once traveled/visited/occupied.
Children would be fortunate if our educational system regressed to the demands of the 1950s, as illustrated in the OP.