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Author Topic: How far have we regressed?  (Read 1106 times)

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Offline CG6468

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How far have we regressed?
« on: May 13, 2012, 09:11:32 AM »
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.

Quote
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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Offline JohnnyReb

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Re: How far have we regressed?
« Reply #1 on: May 13, 2012, 09:29:38 AM »
 :-) 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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Offline CG6468

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Re: How far have we regressed?
« Reply #2 on: May 13, 2012, 03:27:16 PM »
Ahh, but your son is learning the basics, the basics that used to be normal!
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Offline BlueStateSaint

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Re: How far have we regressed?
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2012, 05:30:02 AM »
Quote from: CG6468 on May 13, 2012, 03:27:16 PM
Ahh, but your son is learning the basics, the basics that used to be normal!

CG nails it.  H5 given.
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Offline Doubleplusungood

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Re: How far have we regressed?
« Reply #4 on: May 14, 2012, 10:34:56 AM »
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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Offline CG6468

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Re: How far have we regressed?
« Reply #5 on: May 14, 2012, 12:20:52 PM »
"less" mixed up with "fewer" drives me nuts.
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Online SSG Snuggle Bunny

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Re: How far have we regressed?
« Reply #6 on: May 14, 2012, 12:34:51 PM »
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.
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According to the Bible, "know" means "yes."
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