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I'm currently teaching a college algebra class in which students learn to solve the kind of problem presented. (It would be very interesting to know where "trai

I'm currently teaching a college algebra class in which students learn to solve the kind of problem presented. (It would be very interesting to know where "train problems" got their start, though...) The vast majority of my students cannot solve that sort of problem by themselves after seeing several examples of similar problems worked out. Yes, this is the last math course some of these students will have to take. No, they are not all liberal arts students. Given how quickly unused knowledge decays, I don't think it's terribly unreasonable to assume that your average student with a bachelor's degree won't remember how to solve a train problem.

hugh3 15y ago
Given how quickly unused knowledge decays, I don't think it's terribly unreasonable to assume that your average student with a bachelor's degree won't remember how to solve a train problem. Well, that just sounds like an indication that we're handing out far too many Bachelor's degrees to people who don't deserve them. Out of curiosity, are you allowed to fail these students, in this compulsory course?
- thebooktocome 15y ago
  Many of them do fail. But they don't go away. It's not uncommon for people to take it three or four times until by luck or sheer force of will they finally pass with barely satisfactory grade. Of course, this might be confirmation bias on my part. I never again see the ones that drop out.
- jason77700 15y ago
  Part of the problem is that students are told how to solve these kinds of problems rather than being taught to reason their way through the problem. I looked at it and 'reasoned' they will meet when the combined distance of both trains is 300 miles. No math required for that step. I believe most adults and kids could then figure out 50 MPH + 70 MPH = 120 MPH and 300 Miles/120 MPH = 2.5 Hours or am I giving people to much credit?

hugh3 15y ago

Given how quickly unused knowledge decays, I don't think it's terribly unreasonable to assume that your average student with a bachelor's degree won't remember how to solve a train problem. Well, that just sounds like an indication that we're handing out far too many Bachelor's degrees to people who don't deserve them. Out of curiosity, are you allowed to fail these students, in this compulsory course?

thebooktocome 15y ago
Many of them do fail. But they don't go away. It's not uncommon for people to take it three or four times until by luck or sheer force of will they finally pass with barely satisfactory grade. Of course, this might be confirmation bias on my part. I never again see the ones that drop out.
jason77700 15y ago
Part of the problem is that students are told how to solve these kinds of problems rather than being taught to reason their way through the problem. I looked at it and 'reasoned' they will meet when the combined distance of both trains is 300 miles. No math required for that step. I believe most adults and kids could then figure out 50 MPH + 70 MPH = 120 MPH and 300 Miles/120 MPH = 2.5 Hours or am I giving people to much credit?