Fifty Years of Math 1957 - 2007

[Pale Rider]

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?

[Classact]

That's funny! If it wasn't so true it would belong in the joke thread...

I did that here in Puerto Rico once at the supermarket and the girl said in broken english I had to give the tips to the bag boy direct... Damme me cambio!

[Pale Rider]

That's funny! If it wasn't so true it would belong in the joke thread...
That's what I thought too.


I did that here in Puerto Rico once at the supermarket and the girl said in broken english I had to give the tips to the bag boy direct... Damme me cambio!
:laugh:

[typomaniac]

Most of this situation is the public school teachers' fault, you realize. In their own way, many of them are as bad as any Klansman.

[Abbey Marie]

Good one, Pale. :laugh2:

[Pale Rider]

Most of this situation is the public school teachers' fault, you realize. In their own way, many of them are as bad as any Klansman.

And 99.9% of all teachers are liberals. So using your logic, does that mean most Klansman are liberals?

[Trigg]

Most of this situation is the public school teachers' fault, you realize. In their own way, many of them are as bad as any Klansman.


The no kid left behind idea slowed things down in the classrooms. My daughters teacher in 4th grade had her helping the other kids in class. I put a stop to that in a hurry, she is not there to do the teachers job.

[typomaniac]

And 99.9% of all teachers are liberals. So using your logic, does that mean most Klansman are liberals?

They're definitely not conservatives. :laugh2:

[typomaniac]

The no kid left behind idea slowed things down in the classrooms. My daughters teacher in 4th grade had her helping the other kids in class. I put a stop to that in a hurry, she is not there to do the teachers job.

I'd agree with that last sentence. What I was originally referring to was the attitude that many teachers have: if a kid in my class is from a "bad" socioeconomic background, that kid won't learn anything regardless of what I do.

Of course, this is nothing more than an excuse the teachers use not to do their jobs.

[actsnoblemartin]

one of the smartest ive read in awhile.



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?