Last week 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 1950s:
1. Teaching Math In 1950s
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 1960s
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 1970s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math In 1980s
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 1990s
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 2007
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?
That's hilarious flow ... except that it is so sad ...
And though it MIGHT be funny, and for SOME slackers, true... it's STILL simply a caricature (and as such, the sadness is in the distortion it presents of reality)... sorry to be a kiljoy. <_<
Recommended Posts
doojable
I do remember that when I had questions like this they were worded :
"a truck and a car fall in a vacuum..."
"For the purposes of calculation assume..."
"What is the speed at the point of impact?..."
In other words, I seem to remember the questions being worded to give the student the sense that there was more to learn on the subject.
But that was a long time ago...
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rocky
Didn't we do this just a couple of months ago too?
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Flow7
Funny story received from e-mail
Fifty Years of Math 1957 - 2007
Last week 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 1950s:
1. Teaching Math In 1950s
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 1960s
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 1970s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math In 1980s
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 1990s
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 2007
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?
Link to comment
Share on other sites
rhino
That's hilarious flow ... except that it is so sad ...
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rocky
And though it MIGHT be funny, and for SOME slackers, true... it's STILL simply a caricature (and as such, the sadness is in the distortion it presents of reality)... sorry to be a kiljoy. <_<
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Bolshevik
My professor told me 100 years ago it was harder to get into high school than it is to graduate high school today.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
RainbowsGirl
Link to comment
Share on other sites
ex70sHouston
I feel pretty good. A-
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Watered Garden
I got an 80% which surprised me - I expected an F!
WG
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.