Community Chat

[jonbon]

Absolutely it should be taught. I will say, however, that the teacher and the textbook make a huge difference in how well a student understands the material. I helped my high school student with algebra last year, and the combination of a new textbook series (to us, which I strongly dislike) and a terrible teacher made it painful.  My advanced 8th grader is doing the same book and material this year, and what a difference the teacher makes!!! (By the way, I have really enjoyed reviewing and "relearning" a lot of things that I once knew but haven't seen for 30-or-so years! It is, indeed, great mental exercise.)

[jubilant]

I truely don't want to get political here but I thought of this thread after watching Watter's World tonight. 

  I love that show...especially when they randomly talk to our young people at the beaches and on campus.  I am astounded by some of the things these kids don't know.  Like..Who was our first President?  Who is Isis?  Who is the Vice President now?  Are you a Republican or a Democrat?  What does your party stand for?   Who was Rosa Parks?  Who was Martin Luther King? I mean I could go on and on and on.  It's downright sad and a bit shocking.

Granted, off the top of your head with cameras running would make you nervous, but even I, who have forgotten a lot, could set down and write out 20 or so Presidents off the top of my head and I am sure some here could do a lot more than that.  I know this is ot but I hear these things it makes me feel like we have a lot more to worry about than just Algebra and Geometry.  I am in no way minimizing them....but this general lack of knowledge is kind of scary.

[Q4u]

Another vote for absolutely taught!  

My oldest son teaches Physics 22 to MIT students via Skype (he's a tutor).  Of course his "kids" want to be there and want to do well and understand the importance.  Mathematics and higher Math/Physics is all around us and without the basic working skills of Algebra and Geometry there would be no "depth" of thinking regarding the science of the world.  Just today my son was talking to me about a Math equations that could actually be a language.  Very interesting stuff.

Of course, not every child has the aptitude or the interest, but there are others who do and excel.  How would we identify those that do excel without  offering these classes to everyone?  While one child will become a great artist (with the opportunity) another child will become a great scientist with equal opporltunity!  

[hckynutjohn]

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@Lila Belle wrote:

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@hckynutjohn wrote:

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That is Algebra, that you're using, Mr. John. You are just using simple formulas.

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Call it whatever you wish. The Nuns in Saint Johns Grade School in my 4th grade class called it "Mathematics Class. That is how I learned to understand it and use it.  To me they were/are mathematics, not algebra.

hckynut(john)

[SANNA]

Even though they were my least favorite subjects, I think those classes are absolutely essential for education and get kids prepared for future professions in medical field, engineering, architecture, etc.

I would also include a mandatory studying of geography, because it is sad how little people in our country know what is where.

[jonbon]

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@SANNA wrote:

Even though they were my least favorite subjects, I think those classes are absolutely essential for education and get kids prepared for future professions in medical field, engineering, architecture, etc.

I would also include a mandatory studying of geography, because it is sad how little people in our country know what is where.

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Geography is a required 9th grade social studies class at our current high school. Government, economics, and a couple of history courses (world history and maybe US history?) are the others. 

[RainyDayGal]

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@JAXS Mom wrote:

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

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Interesting.  Can you provide examples?  I'm 57 and have never used them once I graduated.

[LTT1]

@Deb1010yetagain...Would you please thank your qualified people and thanks to you too for your contribution? If I understand correctly, the Alg/Geom real life applications might clarify the concepts for students? Also, I think I would have to agree with your sister... if something needs to be "cut" to "make room" for other math-related subjects, statistics and finance would certainly be useful.

[LTT1]

@biancardi... you make such a good point, many students need to know what it is like to fail at something... it paves the way for success the next time. (for me it was Geometry)

[LTT1]

@jubilant... for some, I believe we need to change our perception of HOW math is taught. Think about it... we use "algebraic concepts" when counting out change to customers... the "x" is there... "how many cents do I need to make the "next" increment? ie: I need 7 cents to make a dime; next increment will be 25 cents... how do I make this? This is an incredibly difficult concept for SPED kids to "get." Many never "got" this. It would be pointless to beat them over the head with it.