Algebra sets the bar too high

[SamTheEagle]

Originally Posted by FormLetter

I think you constructed a straw man there. Do you really think that even the teacher in the class where you read The Merchant of Venice actually believed that straight knowledge of that plot was the goal?

Going from [reading] to [interpretation] to [opinion] to [expression] is a hell of a skill.

By interpretation, do you mean comprehension?

[jas66Kent]

Originally Posted by SamTheEagle

Doesn't surprise me you would have this opinion at all. Especially for those who can't master algebra, shop and Home EC are probably the most important classes offered in high school.

Those can be offered via a co-op program.

[ShebaPoe]

Originally Posted by Loner

And most that come up don't involve quadratic equations. It's simple Ax=b type stuff. While I admit I do think a little less of the intellect of people who can't "get" algebra, it's a legitimate question as to whether we should make it a gatekeeper for basically everything.

Most political discussions, even on here, where the population has above-average quantitative ability, result in people reaching conclusions based on changing one input to a complex system, and assuming all else is held constant. And these are the people who are "good" at math. Hilarious. Indeed, this thread is an example of exactly that.

You, and many others in this thread, are assuming that the purpose of school SHOULD be to prepare students for future employment. This is, in fact, the premise under which mandatory education came about, yet it rarely advances its agenda this way.

[Colonel Smoothie]

Simple question involving quadratics:

My yard is Y area. I want to mow half of it with a lawnmower that is X wide. How wide a strip on each side should I cut to complete the task?

[Atropellador]

Originally Posted by Colonel Smoothie

Simple question involving quadratics:

My yard is Y area. I want to mow it in X minutes. How big (wide) of a lawnmower should I get to complete the task?

That's quadratic only if the speed of the mower is proportional to its width.

[Colonel Smoothie]

Originally Posted by Atropellador

That's quadratic only if the speed of the mower is proportional to its width.

Yeah I tried to pull it from memory, fixed above. See...I would have gotten it the first time if my Algebra weren't so bad.

[jas66Kent]

ITT: Actuaries make terrible teachers

[Colonel Smoothie]

Originally Posted by jas66Kent

ITT: Actuaries make terrible teachers

Yeah, BUT we'd be better teachers if we had better instructors in our salad days. It's one of those feedback loop things.

[Johnny Deformed]

Originally Posted by FormLetter

Being able to solve for an unknown quantity based on known parameters is [hopefully] obviously a terribly important skill.

Look at the following questions:
-how much money should this employer contribute to its pension plan to meet obligations?
-how many sheets of drywall should I purchase to finish this room?
-how much can I spend on groceries this month?
-how many pairs of pants should I pack for my trip?
-can I actually afford to borrow this much money?
-can the government actually afford to pay for what this politician says it will?

IJSAYP

[Eimon Gnome]

Originally Posted by ShebaPoe

Most political discussions, even on here, where the population has above-average quantitative ability, result in people reaching conclusions based on changing one input to a complex system, and assuming all else is held constant. And these are the people who are "good" at math. Hilarious. Indeed, this thread is an example of exactly that.

You, and many others in this thread, are assuming that the purpose of school SHOULD be to prepare students for future employment. This is, in fact, the premise under which mandatory education came about, yet it rarely advances its agenda this way.

Not sure I'm on board with that. I believe the current educational system was first implemented in Germany under Bismark. He was the driving force behind unifying Germany as a nation. We can disagree, but I think the purpose was to create a unified citizenry.