Is Algebra Necessary?
Adam Hayes
By ANDREW HACKER
Published: July 28, 2012
Instead of investing so much of our academic energy in a subject that blocks further attainment for much of our population, I propose that we start thinking about alternatives. Thus mathematics teachers at every level could create exciting courses in what I call “citizen statistics.” This would not be a backdoor version of algebra, as in the Advanced Placement syllabus. Nor would it focus on equations used by scholars when they write for one another. Instead, it would familiarize students with the kinds of numbers that describe and delineate our personal and public lives.It could, for example, teach students how the Consumer Price Index is computed, what is included and how each item in the index is weighted — and include discussion about which items should be included and what weights they should be given.This need not involve dumbing down. Researching the reliability of numbers can be as demanding as geometry. More and more colleges are requiring courses in “quantitative reasoning.” In fact, we should be starting that in kindergarten.I hope that mathematics departments can also create courses in the history and philosophy of their discipline, as well as its applications in early cultures. Why not mathematics in art and music — even poetry — along with its role in assorted sciences? The aim would be to treat mathematics as a liberal art, making it as accessible and welcoming as sculpture or ballet.
www.nytimes.com/2012/07/29/opinion/sunday/is-algebra-necessary.html?src=me&ref=general&pagewanted=all
I very much don't, however, endorse the already deplorable dumbing down in schools at all ages - I just do think something about understanding what numbers - including numbers about society - mean, is very important and not anywhere near sufficiently done now at any level.
ReplyDeleteMore on dumbing down somewhere else - it is a complex topic, as obviously in some ways students learn more than ever now - simply because there is so much more knowledge about, well, everything, every year. Is a child who knows there is a Higgs Boson and what it means conceptually, but is bad at algebra by 1950s standards, less educated than the 1950s child?