Verizon Math Fail

I have posted this one before, but was thinking of it recently and thought it worth a revisit. The half hour tape is entertaining and worth a listen. If you don't have that much time, start at minute 15, when the supervisor gets on the phone.

A shortened version makes a perfect lesson for 7th grade students, math or science, when learning the importance of units.

Verizon Math Fail

Edited Version of Verizon Math Fail

No, Algebra Isn't Necessary

I am posting this article, which has, itself, been reposted.

We have been told that Algebra is a 'gateway' course. That notion has come from data looked at from a certain perspective. I take a different view and am thrilled to see that Valerie Strauss and Roger C. Schank agree.

In stripping the Arts, Vocational Arts, Fine Arts, Music, Physical Education, Foreign Language and the Humanities, from the middle school and high school curriculum, we have removed areas of interest where many students found their passion and bliss or found something that they were good at, something they could own. What a shame.

No, Algebra Isn't Necessary

A New Way to Google

Check out this video!

Marin County Math Tutor
Credentialed in Mathematics - Pre-School to Adult Education
Highly Qualified as per the 'No Child Left Behind Act'

Catch up in the Summer!

Is your child or teenager:
not doing as well in math as you would have hoped?
struggling with basic concepts?
afraid of math?
falling behind the other students?

Perhaps a few tutoring sessions during the summer will help your child.

The general plan is to meet with your child or teenager, assess the problem and help the family implement a plan to build success in the coming year.

Karen@MathMeThinks.com

Don't Lecture Me! Rethinking the way College Students Learn.

The local public radio station, KQED, aired a great segment this weekend called, Don't lecture me! - Rethinking the way college students learn.

It is an American RadioWorks documentary and well worth the listen (it is about 53 minutes long) for all middle school, high school, and college math teachers.

The instructors interviewed are physics professors, but most of the ideas apply to math instruction too.

Some of the recommendations:

Students read the material before class so are prepared to engage in discussions and ask questions about points of confusion.

Students get designated time to study and solve problems together. (Furthermore, I encourage the formation of study groups outside of class time, especially before exams.)