Teaching Maths:

Since nearly everyone has an interest in education I thought this may explain the changes in teaching from the middle of last century through to the middle of this. (OK Australians, dollars didn’t come into being until 1966, but the content is otherwise very similar. Lighten up!)

1. Teaching Maths In 1950s

A logger sells a
truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production
is 4/5 of the price. What
is his profit?

2. Teaching Maths In 1970s

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?

3. Teaching Maths In 1980s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production
is $80. Did he make a profit ?
Yes or No
4. Teaching Maths In 1990s

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.
5. Teaching Maths In 2000s

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).
6. Teaching Maths In 2050

هاتشيرو تبيع كارلواد من نهاب 100 دولار . تكلفة الإنتاج هو 8 دولاراً . كيف الكثير من المال ولم؟

18 thoughts on “Teaching Maths:

  1. Forestwoodfolkart

    Interesting and scarily almost, true. I did have a chuckle about the environmental theme creeping in. As much as there was a small recent movement to return to the 3 R’s – they have failed dismally. We didn’t need a calculator because we chanted those times tables over and over and patterned our brains to work things out in our heads. Teachers say they don’t have time in class to chant tables, but do parents? An extra hour of schooling for these activities would present some possiblities, but I doubt that will happen. The calculator like the computer/smartphone has obviated the need to think, and gives instant gratification: dangerous indeed. As for the future, it could be chinese characters as well????

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. bkpyett Post author

      Though I haven’t given up hope. Visiting our grandson’s school this year we were impressed with the mathematics being taught. Lots of mental arithmetic, as we knew it, was happening.
      I hope we’ve reached the bottom, and are now developing new ways, without calculators, to succeed again. 🙂

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      Reply
  2. M-R

    I think this is very clever. That none of today’s ordinary schoolkids does anything in his/her head to do with maths is just … pathetic. Still, I suppose everyone is always going to have a calculator. Makes me wonder why education is at all necessary: look everything up on the web..

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. bkpyett Post author

      I don’t ever think the internet will take the place of schools. Human participation and encouragement is essential to launch young people into the real world. I haven’t given up hope after visiting a school this year and seeing how hard the teachers are working. I think it is a much harder job than it used to be, as they don’t get the support from many parents who have to go out to work. Children do not get as much input from parents, as so many have been brought up in front of TVs and computers. This has led to behavioural problems that disrupt classrooms. I wish there was an easy answer.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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