In Perspective — Evolution of teaching math

[TexasTowelie]

[font color=green]Commentary in the Brenham Banner-Press from the local right-wing nut job, retired Air Force Colonel Bill Neinast, about how the teaching mathematics in schools has changed. Examples are given for each decade from the 1950's to today. This story caught my attention since my degree is in mathematics and I once considered teaching at the high school level.

I've also cross-posted this in the Education Group at http://www.democraticunderground.com/11241019.[/font]

The Evolution of Teaching Math, an anecdote currently making the e-mail rounds, is supposed to be humorous. As you read it and begin to think there might be some truth in the evolution, your laughing gets softer. So take a look.

I bought a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled eight cents from my pocket and gave it to her.

She stood there, holding the nickel and three 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:

http://www.brenhambanner.com/opinion/editorials/in-perspective-evolution-of-teaching-math/article_caa494c6-62f9-11e1-baf7-001871e3ce6c.html