Basic Math

[historyteach]

BASIC MATH:

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 1950
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 1960
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 1970
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of
production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980
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 1990
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. )

6. Teaching Math In 2005
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de
laproducciones es $80.

L'Chaim!

[doorknob]

I had to laugh. I just left a job partly because the entire kitchen crew I was working with spoke spanish. I've never felt so alienated in my life. Now, if you had given her the 8 cents before she punched in the amount tendered, all would have been well.

DK

[PlanoTexican]

Uno momento por favor!

[Jazzman]

LOL!! (well not really funny). I have told cashiers to just give me back the nickel and pennies before just in the interest of moving the line along... The blank look is not a good sign. Scary stuff but OH SO true.

[leviathon]

That is truly scary. I have seen this with my niece who graduates next month, she can't spell b/c it is apparently not important, rather she is encouraged to "express" herself regardless of spelling. I pointed out to her that that is great, but if no one can understand what she is saying b/c of the spelling, what is the point of "expressing" herself. She was stumped.

Same thing with math. She couldn't do the math you have put forward above. Now kiddo, I am going to give you 20. Go to the store, the item I want will cost $15.40, now how much change should I get back? I don't know, the cashier will tell me when the machine prints it out. Yes, but kiddo, what if the cashier is wrong, don't you want to know how much you should pay and what your change is? What for that is what the machine is for.

Social studies... oh, not even going to go there...

Levi