Re: Oh Calculus!

Linda Polin (lpolin who-is-at pepperdine.edu)
Tue, 18 May 1999 14:03:05 -0800

Roger Schank stood up and told the full house at the Camden Conference that
most math taught in h.s. isn't shouldn't be taught, especially Calculus,
and not just because it is taught badly, but because it just isn't
necessary. He qualified that remark by stating he was a math major and avid
fan of mathematics.

Of course, Roger also thinks we should blow up public schools and start over.

Linda

>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