I think the real answer here is to take kids in the sixth grade and just plain drop math and algebra entirely... giving them a dose of business. You ought give each kid an entire year of projects relating to business math and making them ask questions over profit and loss. Make them consider the idea of moving from a small store-front with 2k square feet to a store with 6k square feet. They ought to analyze things and give you a number in regards to a relationship. This six plus six equal twelve deal is fine...but you need to ask yourself if you can make a true profit off two tractor rigs of apples. If you can’t make a profit....then why bother making the deal.
We are missing the real boat here....numbers matter, but you need to associate them with real things.
I would have gone for that in 6th grade. School was boring and easy (except for algebra) until HS Auto Mech.
Rocks, ruminants and roots are real things. So are rockets and radios. Algebra won't teach you the difference between the two sets, but then, without algebra there would not be two such sets.
I needed both algebra and calculus to complete my MBA. It’s impossible to design an efficient assembly line, for example, without calculus. Statistics and probability require both algebra and calc as well.
but you need to associate them with real things.”
I agree with you 110%. With our current approach we end up with people who are book smart but have absolutely no idea how to apply what they have learned to anything practical.
My oldest grandson had a very difficult time with math but was blessed by having a 4-H leader who was absolutely awesome. Each of the kids in their small group had to design and build a small storage building for the food for their animals. Suddenly things fell into place and made more sense to him. Building was successfully completed and we even had a ribbon cutting session. He was so proud.
“...numbers matter, but you need to associate them with real things.”
EXACTLY!
Mrs. BN is finishing her degree On-Line. She needs a College Algebra class to graduate, but this particular course has two Algebra prerequisites, which would require an additional two semesters. If she can pass a Math Competency exam, she will gain exemption from the prerequisites.
However, the Mrs. has not had a math course for 45 years, so she was a bit “testy” (aggravated) when the subject of a required Algebra course came up.
“Why does anyone need Algebra?”
After a few minutes of my using Algebra terminology to describe some of the problems we’ve recently had to deal with, she began to nod her head, saying “OK, now that makes sense to me. Why didn’t they do it that way when I was in High School?”
BTW, if anyone needs a math refresher, or if “Teach Myself Calculus” is on you Bucket List, I highly recommend this site:
I wholeheartedly agree that our students should have to take financial math. They should learn the equations for loans and be able to understand how the stock market works, including reading and comprehending financial terms.
There is no reason not to.