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MSU Drops Algebra From Graduation Requirements
Michigan Capitol Confidential ^ | 7/19/2016 | Derek Draplin

Posted on 07/20/2016 12:30:30 PM PDT by MichCapCon

Michigan State University is the latest public university to tweak its general education curriculum, favoring quantitative courses over traditional math courses.

The math requirement can now be fulfilled by taking two “quantitative learning” classes as an alternative, though students can choose algebra and one quantitative course, the Lansing State Journal reports.

“The one-size-fits-all college algebra approach wasn’t working for all students,” Vince Melfi, an associate professor of statistics, told the Lansing State Journal.

Previously, MSU’s basic math graduation requirement for most students included an algebra class. Students could also test out of the requirement or use transfer credit.

MSU administrators argue that the quantitative learning courses will allow students to better understand math’s real-life functions.

“An important part of these courses is to go beyond just manipulating symbols on a page and coming up with the right answer, and to reflect on what those answers mean in a specific context,” Melfi said, according to Inside Higher Ed. For example, an understanding of probability would prepare students for daily tasks such as understanding a New York Times article on medicine, Inside Higher Ed notes.

“We’re trying to present mathematics in a way that makes it more accessible and understandable,” Melfi said. “Much of mathematics was developed in order to understand the real world. When students are encountering questions in their personal or professional lives, they should be thinking about mathematics and quantitative reasoning as tools they might use.”

Last month, Wayne State University dropped its university-wide mathematics requirement, and a committee proposed adding a required three-credit-hour diversity course to the general education curriculum.

The university cited adequate high school mathematics requirements as a reason for the curriculum change. "This decision was made largely because the current (math) requirement is at a level already required by most high school mathematics curriculum," WSU said.

According to Inside Higher Ed, Michigan State’s Provost Doug Estry said the change at his university will mostly affect students who take majors outside of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Others noted that the new quantitative requirement might leave students ill-prepared if they take advanced math courses later in their college careers.

“There is some hazard of the student having gotten an inaccurate picture of what advanced mathematics might be like,” Thomas Barr of the American Mathematical Society, who supports MSU’s new policy, told Inside Higher Ed. “But that’s not a deep concern, because I believe the sort of student who wants to go on into advanced mathematics will recognize it early on. And if they really have an inclination for that, they’ll be able to deal with that transition.”

In the 2015-16 fiscal year, MSU received $268.3 million — 21.2 percent of its revenues — from Michigan taxpayers as state aid. Tuition for in-state undergraduate students is $14,880 in 2016-17, according to MSU’s financial aid office.

The university did not respond to a request for comment.


TOPICS: Education
KEYWORDS: college; dumbdown
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1 posted on 07/20/2016 12:30:31 PM PDT by MichCapCon
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To: MichCapCon

if you can count up to 20 without taking off your shoes you pass.


2 posted on 07/20/2016 12:32:50 PM PDT by Mr. K (Trump will win NY state - choke on that HilLIARy)
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To: MichCapCon

Speechless. How is Amal Mohammed Abdullah gonna know how to calculate the proper mix of diesel and fertilizer and amounts for a 55 gallon drum recipe with he wants to adjust it?


3 posted on 07/20/2016 12:33:08 PM PDT by Gaffer
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To: MichCapCon

The left always has to keep its voters dumb.


4 posted on 07/20/2016 12:34:03 PM PDT by ColdOne (poochie... Tasha 2000~3/14/11~GOPe=Vichy Republican swine/Lock Her Up!!!)
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To: MichCapCon

OK I was joking but in reality you should know algebra BEFORE you get to college.

It should disqualify you if you don’t. Go to a trade school.
Welders make good money.


5 posted on 07/20/2016 12:34:28 PM PDT by Mr. K (Trump will win NY state - choke on that HilLIARy)
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To: MichCapCon

“quantitative learning”

What the heck is that?


6 posted on 07/20/2016 12:35:00 PM PDT by rfreedom4u (The root word of vigilante is vigilant!)
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To: MichCapCon

2 + 2 = whatever, depending on your culture.


7 posted on 07/20/2016 12:35:03 PM PDT by forgotten man
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To: Mr. K

Daughter is studying mechanical engineering. She says 90% of college students are morons! It’s no wonder.


8 posted on 07/20/2016 12:35:23 PM PDT by poobear (Socialism in the minds of the elites is a con-game for the serfs, nothing more.)
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To: MichCapCon

Only to cry. Dumbing down the country has been steady with no end in sight.


9 posted on 07/20/2016 12:35:27 PM PDT by Seeing More Clearly Now
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To: MichCapCon
“The one-size-fits-all college algebra approach wasn’t working for all students,”

IOW, if millenials cannot cope with it or find the answer on their smartphone, it must be eliminated.

10 posted on 07/20/2016 12:36:02 PM PDT by doorgunner69
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To: MichCapCon

I’m guessing “college algebra” is what I think of as H.S. freshman algebra? And the gifted kids could take it in the 8th grade?


11 posted on 07/20/2016 12:36:29 PM PDT by FreedomPoster (Islam delenda est)
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To: MichCapCon
Others noted that the new quantitative requirement might leave students ill-prepared if they take advanced math courses later in their college careers.


and it might leave them ill-prepared for a job in the real world.

12 posted on 07/20/2016 12:37:02 PM PDT by eyedigress ((Old storm chaser from the west))
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To: rfreedom4u

“quantitative learning” classes??


My question as well!!


13 posted on 07/20/2016 12:37:22 PM PDT by Freedom56v2 (lection is about Liberty versus Tyranny and National Sovereignty versus Globalism👍)
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To: MichCapCon
This decision was made largely because the current (math) requirement is at a level already required by most high school mathematics curriculum
Can't say I disagree with the new policy. I took four years of math in HS and never used any of it.
On the other hand, I took statistics in college and since I was in quality assurance for many years, used them all the time.
14 posted on 07/20/2016 12:37:49 PM PDT by oh8eleven (RVN '67-'68)
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To: MichCapCon
Makes sense. Algebra is a subject that should have been mastered in high school. College students should be on to bigger things.

But...I know that's NOT why they are doing this. Just another form of Affirmative Action.

15 posted on 07/20/2016 12:39:20 PM PDT by Bloody Sam Roberts (BlackOlivesMatter)
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To: MichCapCon

As long as they squeeze every student loan dollar they can out of the marks... I mean students... it’s all good.


16 posted on 07/20/2016 12:39:40 PM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum (If you are not prepared to use force to defend civilization, then be prepared to accept barbarism.)
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To: MichCapCon

“because I believe the sort of student who wants to go on into advanced mathematics will recognize it early on. And if they really have an inclination for that, they’ll be able to deal with that transition.” “

Duh...

Such a student would already have mastered algebra and some calculus in high school ...


17 posted on 07/20/2016 12:39:58 PM PDT by TexasGator
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To: MichCapCon

No one needs algebra to ring up an order of French fries. Dat’s old school.


18 posted on 07/20/2016 12:40:07 PM PDT by TexasRepublic (Socialism is the gospel of envy and the religion of thieves. Socialism is governmental theft!)
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To: ColdOne
When I was a pup, you couldn't even graduate from high school without an algebra class.

When my kids went to elementary school in Japan, they started teaching algebra by 5th grade.

19 posted on 07/20/2016 12:40:13 PM PDT by Vigilanteman (ObaMao: Fake America, Fake Messiah, Fake Black man. How many fakes can you fit into one Zer0?)
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To: MichCapCon

I coulddabeen phi beta kappa. If only. Instead I’m just average.


20 posted on 07/20/2016 12:41:53 PM PDT by HotKat (Politicians are like diapers; they need to be changed often and for the same reason. Mark Twain)
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