Re: Should Algebra/Geometry be part of the high sc... - Page 5

Hooty · ‎03-09-2010

@LTT1 .............. NO! I did not take algebra nor geometry in HS, and worked in a bank for 17 yrs., and did accounting type work & taxes for many years, and not once did I need either one! Having good math skills are required for accounting type work, not geomety & algebra, JMHO!

CLHS68 · ‎03-23-2010

I took both Algebra/Geometry and I am glad I did. But basic Math is a must Todays kids cannot give you change if the power goes out. They cannot figure what you should get back. I worked in a bank and they cannot even balance a checkbook. Everyone needs these skills. Teach math the way we were taught and no new math. We learned without calculators or computers and I am so glad because I can figure things in my head faster.

Also Grammer is a must.

sfnative · ‎03-10-2010

@LTT1 wrote:
@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!

@LTT1

@PamfromCT

@CrazyDaisy

(Unable to bring up Loves Roses)

Couple of things I used tell my students (and this was quite a long time go): "Your ability to 'get it' greatly depends on 'intellectual maturity.' The age at which your brain kicks in and things really get moving can happen at any time. For a number of you, it won't occur until you're well out of high school, then watch out!"

Because the brain is elastic, it is extremely important to expose and challenge it to algebra and geometry. Yes, students will use these skills for the rest of their lives. They may not have a need to solve an algebraic equation, but what goes on in the brain while attempting to learn algebra is priceless.

Me? I did horrible in pre-algebra in the 8th grade and just a little better in the 9th grade. However, in 10th grade my brain kicked in big time to the extent that I was tutoring. It was really horrible being in the dunce algebra class in high school, but clearly my brain's intellectual maturity started to kick in at that time. By the time I was in college, my grades soared and my ability to problem solve left many questioning how I could possible be thinking of 2 or 3 things at a time.

***

I firmly believe a high school (9-12) curriculum should include English Composition and Language Arts, Algebra, Geometry (and higher mathematics depending on the student's goal), History (local, state, U.S., Constitution, Ancient, The New Age, The Renaissance, The Middle Ages, The Dark Ages), Foreign Language - choose one (Spanish, Russian, Mandarin [West Coast-Cantonese]), Physical Education, Elective - choose one (Choral arts, band, orchestra, art, production, Home Economics (let's bring it back). AND, keep it simple and true.

This is a big one for me: there should be an emphasis creating the ability to think in a linear fashion. So few have this ability. It has to do with problem solving consequences, facilitation, making a turn in your thought processes when necessary toward a correct goal and so much more.

***

Awareness comes only after education and practice.

missy1 · ‎03-10-2010

@nomless wrote:
@missy1 wrote:
Optional IMO. I don't use it IRL.

I bet you do use algebra in real life, you just don't realize it.

For example, Kohl's offers $10 of $50 purchase. BBB offers $5 off $15 purchase. Which is the better deal? It takes algebra to figure that out. Kohl's: $10 = x% of $50, so x = 10/50 (answer = 20%). BBB: $5 = x% of $15, so x = 5/15 (answer = 33%). BBB deal is better.

As for geometry....you need to hang a picture grouping or cut an odd-shaped tile for the bathroom upgrade or you need to cut a pie into equal pieces.....geometry.

This is taught in like 5th grade and middle school. A whole year of Algebra 1, 2 and geometry is not needed to graduate IMO . If you are not going into a field that needs it, why waste the time. So many kids these days lack basic math skills.

Pqfan · ‎03-09-2010

My brain doesn't like mixing numbers and letters together.

I vote no.

On a serious note I had a horrible time with it.

It came easy to some kids but not to me.

brewhaha · ‎07-25-2010

Not if you're going to be a baker. Everyone knows pi r round.

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

I agree that it should definitely start before high school and continue on through.

I remember being an ignorant kid and thinking 'oh, I'll never use this in life'. Others would say this and we just followed along and believed it - clearly having no clue.

Then, down the line, you realize that there is MUCH more to it than letters and numbers.

No more grammar, spelling, writing, and if they start cutting math back to just basic 1 + 1 = 2 stuff - yikes! I'm kind of glad I'm on the downward slope, but it's still sad to see dumbing down becoming more prevalent in this country.

Why are there more and more people who have no regard for intelligence, thinking, education, science, and other reality-based concepts? Well, that was rhetorical, as it's easy to see why this is going on. That doesn't make it any more appropriate. It feels like we are headed into a total regression toward a species of knuckle-draggers.

fortune · ‎03-14-2010

@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.

I think both should be taught but only if each and every lesson shows how both can be used in real life. No theoretical stuff. We'd have to get rid of most of the current textbooks and write new ones! It should be more of a hands-on learning lab with students coming up with their own applications to their daily activities as part of the lesson!

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

My answer is yes, students need the math courses - and science courses - just to live successfully in this new world facing us. Further, the better students of those subjects do in those courses, the more likely they are to see later on how useful the information and skills are in their lives.

It's those who just skim the surface that can't understand why they're being asked to learn this information. I think that's true for much of what we're exposed to as we're learning. I doubt I'm the only one who went through high school science without really understanding what was going on until years later!

So, yes - unless we're willing to continue to have too few math/science brains in this country, we need those courses.

PeterDM · ‎07-30-2014

These classes are exercises for children and their developing brains. While you may not use algebra in your everyday life, learning to solve problems and deal with abstract ideas helps you become a better functioning, more well-rounded human being.