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 1950’s:
- Teaching Math In 1950’s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit ?
- Teaching Math In 1960’s
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?
- Teaching Math In 1970’s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
- Teaching Math In 1980’s
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.
- Teaching Math In 1990’s
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. )
- Teaching Math In 2008
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?
Leave a Reply
Loading ...
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:28 am
Twas not a joke —- is in fact a very sad story of decayed education in our country….
students of today are acquainted with technology, calculators and computers but sadly their brains are not analitacly cultivated…. If the machine quits or dies they are dead in the water.
The spanish/mexican ending is sadly representative of our deterioriating English only country. And thus indicates the next chapter in the slide of education as ILLEGAL imigration takes its toll of our integrity and security.
And sadly some of the comments posted are a window into this problem which could eventually slip the US of A into the status of a THIRD WORLD country. Many persons of the younger generations are not literate enough to appreciate what they enjoy or see it slipping away…
GOD BLESS AMERICA —- LOVE IT OR LEAVE……………
June 14th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
This is just ridiculous. Today’s students are doing harder math at a younger age. If a student in the 50s decided to go to high school (many didn’t) he’d be doing the same math that today’s student does in the 5th grade. I’m so tired of hearing crap like this.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
One time I visited Burger King with my step-dad. We were in the drive through, and he said, “I’m gonna show you how stupid these people are.” We both ordered a coke. The bill was less than $5.00. He handed them a 20-dollar bill at the window, and said, “Give me back 3 fives, a ten, and 8 ones.” The lady gave us 3 fives and 8 ones, and we started to pull off. But she stopped us at the last minute. “Hey wait! … you forgot your other 10.
True story. Now they use two windows to prevent this.