topic Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum? in Community Chat

Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

LTT1 — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 16:52:02 GMT

This follows the discussions we have been having regarding the relevance of required classes that should or should not be included in the educational curriculum for a student.

Would you please share your thoughts and opinions pertaining to this topic?

If not Algebra/Geometry and beyond, what should then be included?

My answer was formulated after numerous students would say "I don't see why I have to learn this... I will never use it."

I would like to read what your responses are before I tell you what my observation and reply was.

Thank you.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

CrazyDaisy — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 16:59:54 GMT

@LTT1 wrote:
This follows the discussions we have been having regarding the relevance of required classes that should or should not be included in the educational curriculum for a student.
Would you please share your thoughts and opinions pertaining to this topic?
If not Algebra/Geometry and beyond, what should then be included?
My answer was formulated after numerous students would say "I don't see why I have to learn this... I will never use it."
I would like to read what your responses are before I tell you what my observation and reply was.
Thank you.

While you may not use the actual applicaions, higher math skills do help train our brain to a way of thinking.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

PamfromCT — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:06:16 GMT

Absolutely. With exceptions for vocational students.

Students heading for college will find they will be taking many courses they may consider useless in everyday life. In the community where I live, considered one of the top school systems in CT, this would be a moot question. I might add that a college education will give you information you need to succeed in life, but also give you lifetime skills of learning how to learn.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

Puzzle Piece — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:06:44 GMT

YES! Then, they will understand trigenometry and chemistry as well. They were taught in my day and we aren't dunces.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

LTT1 — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:12:14 GMT

@Puzzle Piece@PamfromCT@CrazyDaisy

This is what I think, too. Math "exposes" your thought path-ways to methods to problem-solve.

I told my students (who looked at me funny) that by evolving the pathways, they would be able to "figure out" ways to ie: get "around" the "dumb boss" (in the situations where the boss is dumb LOL) who is standing in the way to their success.

I told them that if there was ever a computer game that would sufficiently develop these pathways (and if it could be proven) the inventor would be a billionaire!

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

Meowingkitty — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:14:42 GMT

As a person who hated math and could not pass an algebra class I think it is not necessary for students to learn algebra or geometry but basic math skills today are sorely lacking. I have lived 60 years not caring if X + y= z. I did go on to earn a college degree and did not have to take higher math. Higher math classes are good for those going on to college but for everyday life it just isn't necessary. Kids today can't even make change. Give them skills for life, not just because it is supposed to make them think. All it does is frustrate them more. Not everyone can do or loves math. It's just another class to suffer through.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

151949 — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:16:21 GMT

So OP - you think because the kids don't like those subjects they should no longer be taught in school? I guess that means history, english , composition, chemistry and all foreign languages should also be eliminated. Those were all subjects I hated in school.

However, the fact is - you do use all those subjects in your life. You just don't recognize it but there it is. Cooking and baking are just a big chemistry experiment. A person who does crafts and carpenters or anyone who sews uses geometry all the time.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

jaxs mom — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:17:37 GMT

I use algebra and geometry every day. And no not in a paid position.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

CalminHeart — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:20:00 GMT

We need students to learn high levels of math and science if we want our country succeed in the future. Right now, education is failing, primarily because of budget cuts, and the dumbing down of America is moving at warp speed.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

JustJazzmom — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:20:25 GMT

Yes, algebra and geometry should be part of the HS curriculum.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

LTT1 — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:20:49 GMT

@151949... I have opinions (please read the posts)...

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

hckynutjohn — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:21:33 GMT

They should not be required classes. Unless a person chooses a certain field or trade, who uses them regularly? I've never used or needed it, nor has my wife.

Instead, how about general math? Adding/subtracting etc. without needing a calculator. Maybe even how to tell the time of day on a regular old clock?

I didn't graduate high school in the 1950's, but I knew what classes would help me when I was 14, and to this very day. I concentrated on: General Math/Bookkeeping/General Business and typing. Got "1's" in all those classes. World History/Social Studies/ Biology? I couldn't have cared less, and I have not needed any of them in my lines of employment.

hckynut(john)

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

insomniac — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:23:01 GMT

I think they should be part of the high school curriculum, but I also think a class covering basic math skills should be MANDATORY (with an option for students to test out of it).

It is appalling how essential math situations elude supposedly intelligent people.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

jaxs mom — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:24:55 GMT

Education isn't just about employment, it's also about understanding the world and participating in life. Civics and history are important. Sadly a lot of adults don't even understand how their own government works or what it's founding documents actually say.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

deepwaterdotter — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:25:15 GMT

@JAXS Mom wrote:
I use algebra and geometry every day. And no not in a paid position.

I do also.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

LTT1 — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:25:46 GMT

@CalminHeart: did you ever see the movie "Idiocracy?" It has many of the traits, IMO, that our society is now embracing... representing the "dumbing down" of America.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

jaxs mom — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:27:18 GMT

@LTT1 wrote:
@CalminHeart: did you ever see the movie "Idiocracy?" It has many of the traits, IMO, that our society is now embracing... representing the "dumbing down" of America.

We can lament the young all we want, but there are plenty of not young people that are lacking a basic understanding of the world and how it works.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

Meowingkitty — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:27:40 GMT

@hckynutjohn wrote:
They should not be required classes. Unless a person chooses a certain field or trade, who uses them regularly? I've never used or needed it, nor has my wife.

Instead, how about general math? Adding/subtracting etc. without needing a calculator. Maybe even how to tell the time of day on a regular old clock?

I didn't graduate high school in the 1950's, but I knew what classes would help me when I was 14, and to this very day. I concentrated on: General Math/Bookkeeping/General Business and typing. Got "1's" in all those classes. World History/Social Studies/ Biology? I couldn't have cared less, and I have not needed any of them in my lines of employment.

hckynut(john)

I love the part about kids not being able to tell time. I used to work with someone who gave her 14 year old step daughter a watch for Christmas and her daughter didn't know what it was or how to tell time.

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

Sweetbay magnolia — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:29:26 GMT

I would imagine geometry is useful in carpentry, among other things. Home building. Architecture. Heck, picture hanging. In general, deduction.

I think algebra helps one to figure abstract mathematical problems - useful in the days I had to manage a mortgage pipeline and do production reports. I tend to reason numbers as if they are words or pictures (word problems are useful to learn?).

I can't imagine these basic skills not being taught - nor, not cursive writing!

Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high school curriculum?

RetRN — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:32:31 GMT

I do believe that algebra and geometry should be taught. The fact that young people today can't balance a checkbook, make change, or tell time on a clock are great examples of the need for better education. Math skills are used daily for most of us.