Oh Calculus!

Bill Barowy (wbarowy who-is-at lesley.edu)
Tue, 18 May 1999 08:26:05 -0400

Ken,

There is another facet to your question. I have had many calculus courses, and have been reasonably successful, even when doing physics and engineering, without using very much at all of the calculus I learned.

While attending a school-to-work conference a few years ago, I heard a passioned plea from the keynote speaker for all kids to learn calculus. The contradiction between his view and the purpose of the conference was stunning.

I share Ken's interest in the answer to this question. Does anyone see any relation with Escalante's work?

BB

>Will all those out there who have become reasonably successful without
>having had a calculus course raise their hands. And then will some one
>suggest why there is pressure on American high schools to require
>calculus courses of high school students?
>Ken Goodman
>--
>Kenneth S. Goodman, Professor, Language, Reading & Culture
>504 College of Education, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
> fax 520 7456895 phone 520 6217868
>
>These are mean times- and in the mean time
>We need to Learn to Live Under Water