Mathematics

Post Reply New Topic

When I was in school from first grade till third grade I did all my mathematics in my head and I hardly ever got an answer wrong. When fourth grade came around they wouldn't let me just give the answer I had to show my work, but I couldn't do that. I would always turn my work in like I had always done and they would tell me to redo my work and show the answers most the time I got angry several times I tore a classroom or two apart, it was such an insult to have someone tell me that my work was not a good enough even when the answers were right.

Now when I got in high school they tried to teach me algebra and I just couldn't do it. I was like what in the world am I going to use this for?? Many times I refused to do the work I saw no logical reason to do the work I didn't need it for the rest of my life so why learn it. Also I never could remember the formulas and stuff grrr.

I also found out that advanced mathematics classes were put into place around the cold war so more scientist would be be around. So far it has not worked so far it has done nothing but irritate people mainly students. So why in the hell do they teach algebra, calculus and trigonometry as core classes? Why not make them elective classes?? Because most people don't need to take the classes in order lead successful, productive lives.

It is strange I was realy bad at maths, I was always behind and stuff, and I could only do it with a lot of working out, though when I reached highschool I got good and no longer wanted to write out. I actualy realy liked algebra, it was a maths that I built some thoughts around and has shaped my thinking for other things, and I have found what I learned even a bit usefull now. I had no idea what I wanted to do in my life, I had no speceal skills, but in highschool for one year or so my calculater did not work and I had to do all the work in my head, I then found out I could give the harder maths a go. I then had to make a descision of what I should do, since I had done a bit algerbra in that maths class I decided to try accounting. Now I am in uni studying for accounting, if I was not made to do that maths I don't know what I could be doing instead. My idea is that it is supposed to branch out your mind so it is able to understand different concepts, actualy there are quite a few people on here that enjoy algerbra.

Algebra and trigonometry are extremely useful in the physics that I have done. Calculus would really be useful too, but I find it annoying to learn all the weird symbols and associated procedures without something like a two-column proof to show why they work and not just how they work.

I would mark you wrong if I were teaching and you didn't show your work. This has to do with the epistemic standards of math; if you can't prove to me you're right, you're not totally right, even if you have the correct "answer". Learning to work within the rigors of mathematics and constructing proofs disciplines the mind and makes you more logical (although I'm all for teaching logic in school as well). On top of that, no matter how good you are (unless you're a savant), there are always problems which you can't do in your head; you need to learn the algorithms.

Besides, we require four years of English and phys-ed, but only 3 years of history, math, and science... I'd say our priorities are back asswords. Our educational system doesn't churn out people who can make intelligent and informed decisions in the framework of modern life, let alone vote, most of the time.

I was quite good with advanced math in school, but since I do not really use it in my everyday life; I have pretty much lost it as an adult...cannot even help my teens with their homework. I agree it is a bit unfair to require advanced math credits in school. There are plenty of people who math is just not their thing and at the same time they are gifted in art, history, or literature. Even though I made good grades in Algebra II, I actaully remember what I learned in applied math...how to do my taxes and crap like that.

If we focus on nurturing people's natural talents they can be more successful in a field they are happy to work in. This entire cookie cutter idea where everyone takes the same classes is not yielding to many positive results.