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Evolution of the teaching of math


Thinking Skins

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This is an email I got. I found it funny, and its definately related to another thread on the board.

Its very related to the real world because I remember about a month ago, I bought a bottle of OJ and some candy for about $2.50. When I paid with a $100 bill, the girl froze for a minute, then proceeded to give me back $120 change. Now would I have been wrong if I took the money? I didn't, but it just highlites this message even more.

Evolution of the teaching of math

Last week I purchased a burger and fries at McDonalds for $3.58.

The counter girl took my $4.00 and 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:

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?

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?

Teaching Math In 1970

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His

cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

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.

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.)

Teaching Math In 2005

Un ranchero vende una carretera de madera para $100.

El cuesto de la produccion era $80. Cuantos tortillas

se pu ede comprar?

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this reminds me of my favorite buss. joke.

Two brothers go into the produce buss. The buy the fruit for a $1 and sell the fruit for a $1. At the end of the first year, the younger brother says to the older "we're not making any money" the older brother " don't worry, next year we'll get a bigger truck"

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