Tuesday

Teaching Math

From the corporate world of email one upsmanship:

Last week I purchased a burger for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2
and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and
gave it to her.
She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the
screen on her register.
I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two
quarters, but she hailed the manager for help.
While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and
cried.
Why do I tell you this?

Please read more about the "history of teaching math":

Teaching Math In 1950:

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

Teaching Math In 1960:

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?

Teaching Math In 1970:

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production
is $80. Did he make a profit?

Teaching Math In 1980:

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.

Teaching Math In 1990:

By cutting down beautiful forest trees, the logger makes $20.
What do you think of this way of making a living?
Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the
forest birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down the trees. (There
are no wrong answers.)

Teaching Math In 2005:
El hachero vende un camion carga por $100 La cuesta de production
es...........

And we wonder why jobs requiring intelligence are being outsourced??