Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Teaching Math - A Must Read!


  Teaching Math - A Must Read!
Years of Math Instruction:  1950 - 2013
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 aliving?

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 2009

Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo

de la producciones es $80. Cuantdinero ha hecho?


7. Teaching Math In 2013


Who cares, just steal the lumber from your rich neighbor's property. He won't have a gun to stop you,

and the President says it's OK anyway cuz it's redistributing the wealth and he does it every day.


 
 






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