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True story... - 3/3/2006 11:44:20 AM

Mercnbeth

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Don't know if this should be in the Humor Section or the Crying Shame Section

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 1950
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 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?

3. Teaching Math In 1970
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. 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.

5. 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.)

6. Teaching Math In 2006
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80.

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RE: True story... - 3/3/2006 11:50:30 AM

yourMissTress

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From: Nashville, TN
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Sadly enough in many of our schools this is true.

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RE: True story... - 3/3/2006 12:13:47 PM

subtlesubie

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Part of the problem too is the youth culture of idiocy, where it's unhip to be smart. This is particularly true of males. They are more concerned with their street cred and the appurtenances of modern entertainment and convenience, and then when they're forced to write a sentence or make a calculation a baby should be able to do (literally a baby!), it occurs to them - Fuck! I have wasted a lot of time.

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RE: True story... - 3/3/2006 7:45:03 PM

Saratov

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And the schools are 'dumbing down' so they can pass the students. Too often this is because the parents blame the schools if their little angels don't pass and move to the next grade.
Then those that go to college end up with 75% of their classes being remedial so they can get up to college level work.

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RE: True story... - 3/3/2006 9:02:43 PM

FangsNfeet

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So are you listening to much of Larry the Cable Guy or are you one of his writters?

Any how, atleast you know why she only works for Burger King. But hell, she might have qualified for an executive position for Enron.

So why didn't she just punch in $2.08 in the registar rather than $2.00?

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RE: True story... - 3/4/2006 12:44:17 AM

Termyn8or

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Mercnbeth;

Not only do I know where you are coming from but I get the idea we are on the same side.

Teaching math in 2007:

Who won on American Idol last night ?

T

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RE: True story... - 3/4/2006 8:23:16 AM

windchymes

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quote:

ORIGINAL: FangsNfeet

So why didn't she just punch in $2.08 in the registar rather than $2.00?

Maybe she got up to go to the bathroom during that hour of her training?

My kids' father was a manager with the BK Corp. 20+ years ago....believe me, the standards have dropped considerably!

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RE: True story... - 3/4/2006 10:56:18 AM

SweetDommes

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quote:

ORIGINAL: FangsNfeet

So are you listening to much of Larry the Cable Guy or are you one of his writters?

Any how, atleast you know why she only works for Burger King. But hell, she might have qualified for an executive position for Enron.

So why didn't she just punch in $2.08 in the registar rather than $2.00?

She had probably already hit $2 while he was fishing out the $.08.

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RE: True story... - 3/5/2006 1:38:10 PM

Painis4Pleasure

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As a former teacher I can attest to the fact of "dumbing down". It is a sad state of affairs, but if you give homework, about half won't do it because they don't have time since their parents enrolled them in after school activities.

Also, high schoolers ARE lost in giving change if the register doesn't say how much to give back-as in the above case, he changed the amount given and now they have no clue what to do.

Story problems are a kids nightmare. I always told my math classes that life is one big story problem after another. Get used to them!

Glad I'm out-and parents complain you give too much/little/difficult/not difficult homework-all from the same class. Go figure!

pain

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