Teaching Math

Standard

Teaching Math in the 2010’s

A logger cuts down some trees.  Open your Logger Cuts Down Trees app on your iOs or Android device (sorry Windows….losers…worst app store ever…the worst…and no one likes Windows more than me, really, I do…Bill Gates and I are so very close…very, very close…but your app store is a loser) and type “$100” in the sales section and “$80” in the cost section to calculate the needed information or what used to be called “math.”

Then proceed to share the result on Twitter, your location on Foresquare, your status on Facebook, what you think about this on Twitter, and Snapchat a video of you doing this on your device followed by a selfie of your expression before and after you completed the exercise.  A minimum of 3 irrelevent and useless #’s must be used.

If you can’t figure this out, it’s OK, you will pass anyway because I don’t want any trouble from your parents who don’t want to hold you accountable for anything.

Teaching Math Over 50 Years

Teaching Math In the 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 the 1970’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 the 1980’s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.  His cost of production is $80.  Did he make a profit?  Yes or No.

Teaching Math In the 1990’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 the 2000’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.  Feel free to express your feelings, e.g., anger, anxiety, inadequacy, helplessness, etc.)

Should you require debriefing at the conclusion of the exam there are counselors available to assist you to adjust back into the real world.