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And yet putting pen to paper to reduce and solve equations, solve sets of simultaneous equations, factor expressions, and find roots is what I did in algebra an
by dventimi 3y ago
And yet putting pen to paper to reduce and solve equations, solve sets of simultaneous equations, factor expressions, and find roots is what I did in algebra and what my daughter's doing in algebra. Personally, I don't believe that investment of her time and the public's resources in order that she think about "how linear functions scale" in some vague distant future should automatically be protected from scrutiny.
Life is about tradeoffs. I enjoy math. Then again, other people enjoy chess. That doesn't necessarily mean everybody should be taught them, especially when time, attention, and resources are limited.
- gnicholas 3y agoIf you had asked people who wrote down equations on paper and solved them, you would have gotten fewer hands raised. Instead, people would have asked you why that is the relevant question. You somehow think it doesn't count if someone uses algebraic reasoning to figure something out. It feels like you're moving the goalposts. I'll take my leave; good day!
- dventimi 3y ago> Instead, people would have asked you why that is the relevant question. And I would have answered that question, like already did in this thread. > You somehow think it doesn't count If you want credit for using algebraic reasoning, I'll give it to you. What I won't do is say that forcing most high school kids to do pen-and-paper operations which will be useful if they choose to become scientists but probably won't be useful if they don't become scientists, is a good use of their time or our public resources, because I don't believe that it is. And if we're talking about feelings, it feels like you're seeking validation for your math affinity. This sure seems like an expensive way to go about it.