Community Chat

[nrm]

I would say yes if the students are planning to take the SAT's or ACT's. I took algebra 1&2 and geometry and they were on my SAT's. My son graduated from college recently and had to take algebra,geometry,calculus and statistics.  He was not a math major. I said the same thing your students are saying,but little did I know that at some point the courses would come in handy. If a student is in vo-tech they're probably going to need a geometry course if they're doing woodworking or going into construction. 

[Lila Belle]

WADR this is a "duh" question.

Everyone uses higher math practically every day whether they know it or not.

[stevieb]

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@foundinlv wrote:

I very much believe that anyone who didn't understand algebra simply had a lousy teacher.  A good teacher can explain it to everyone, in fact it definitely should be taught in elementary school.  

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I have to agree to some extent, though I'm sure it's an unpopular view. It takes a special teacher to get students who don't naturally grasp math concepts to 'get it'. It seems like maybe there haven't always been very many of them out there.

[stevieb]

I'd agree we all use math and mathematical concepts on a daily basis in practical applications. Maybe that's where the teaching of math has been a bit of a failure for many students.

[Lila Belle]

Most people don't really understand imo what algebra is. If you figure what an item costs on sale, adjust a recipe or figure mpg or mph it's Algebra. Calculate wallpaper, paint amounts or carpet/tile it's geometry.

[mousiegirl]

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@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.

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@LTT1  DD had Algebra, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, and Chemistry in High School in preparation for college, and it is a good thing because once in college, it was a bit easier when she had to take the Biology classes again due to her major. This is what the teachers in High School said, that it will be easier for kids in college having had the classes already, but of course, everything is more difficult in college.

[Drythe]

Algebra and geometry yes, I use both at work and out.

Calculus and Trigonometry, not so much depends on future plans.

But, I think Basic Personal Finance and Economics should be required.

[Desertdi]

I don't think a child should be held back if they just don't "get it".    Let them take an alternate subject.

[hckynutjohn]

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@Lila Belle wrote:
Most people don't really understand imo what algebra is. If you figure what an item costs on sale, adjust a recipe or figure mpg or mph it's Algebra.

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You are correct. I don't understand algebra and I have never had a reason to do so.  I've spent decades accurately figuring: "mpg/gpm/gaa percentages/choosing engine rpm to rear end gear ratios revs per minute/calibrate air to fuel mixture for race engines from sea level altitude to 6,000 feet above sea level altitudes/cost per ounce for foods in different size packages. I learned that in the 4th grade in our Catholic school. It was called Math Class, not Algebra.

 Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Math is all I have ever needed to work with: "whole numbers/fractions or decimals".  Was successful as a winning auto racer/engine mechanic/being the statistician at thousands of hockey games and in running(with my feet) road races calculating, in my head, mph into mpm.  Think I'll stick with "not understanding algebra" but knowing how to work with numbers.

hckynut(john)

[Desertdi]

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@hckynutjohn wrote:

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@Lila Belle wrote:
Most people don't really understand imo what algebra is. If you figure what an item costs on sale, adjust a recipe or figure mpg or mph it's Algebra.

.

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You are correct. I don't understand algebra and I have never had a reason to do so.  I've spent decades accurately figuring: "mpg/gpm/gaa percentages/choosing engine rpm to rear end gear ratios revs per minute/calibrate air to fuel mixture for race engines from sea level altitude to 6,000 feet above sea level altitudes/cost per ounce for foods in different size packages. I learned that in the 4th grade in our Catholic school. It was called Math Class, not Algebra.

 Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Math is all I have ever needed to work with: "whole numbers/fractions or decimals".  Was successful as a winning auto racer/engine mechanic/being the statistician at thousands of hockey games and in running(with my feet) road races calculating, in my head, mph into mpm.  Think I'll stick with "not understanding algebra" but knowing how to work with numbers.

hckynut(john)

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I was lousy at "math", but worked as an accountant.....I considered the latter as "common sense".........so what if I needed a machine to do the "technical" part of it...................