Evolution of Teaching

[lumbingmi]

Got this funny email from buddy.

Fifty Years of Math 1958 - 2008 (in the USA)

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 2008

Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

 

[beachie]

Are you surprise? I am not.. The quality of teaching sure has changed since then..for better or for worse. I do not know But I do know as a teacher myself, the way we teach has changed to more natural approach, rather than traditional way of teaching. Hopefully this girl will come to her sense that she needs more training in math. Otherwise, she shouldn't be working as a cashier. I couldn't and wouldn't either since my math skills are not all that great.

 

[Chase]

The progression of teaching is good humor, with enough truth to bite.

The clerk not knowing how to count change is The Peter Principle in living color. But it has little to do with math . . . it's disconnection from the practical world. It has little to do with teachers, as well, and more to do with a policy of social promotion K through 12 and the expectation that it should continue in college till we will surely have PhDs asking if you'd like fries with that and holding out lots of coins and bills so you can make your own change.

Are you surprise? I am not.. The quality of teaching sure has changed since then..for better or for worse. I do not know But I do know as a teacher myself, the way we teach has changed to more natural approach, rather than traditional way of teaching. Hopefully this girl will come to her sense that she needs more training in math. Otherwise, she shouldn't be working as a cashier. I couldn't and wouldn't either since my math skills are not all that great.

Professionals at a site for teachers would jump all over the mention of the outdated "traditional way of teaching" and new "natural approach," because every few years the current trend becomes "traditional" and teaching colleges take pride in how their "new" methods are more "natural." It's just recruiting blah, blah, blah.

The biggest misconception is teachers leave school with a degree and never change. It's a rarety, not the rule. Ongoing education and skill-building for teachers is encouraged (even mandated) at every level. It's usually the neophyte know-it-alls who resist and become traditional and unnatural at about their third year in the trenches, ha ha ha.