[Phys-L] Re: student mathematical capability

[Bernard Cleyet <anngeorg@PACBELL.NET>]

My experience, as a substitute, was also an eye opener, but for the
opposite reason.  The assignment was a bunch of "word" problems (only).
  After lecturing on the new section in the text, I went over a few the
students requested and finally came to one that stuck me.  A student
volunteered and worked it properly.  This was HS tho.

bc, embarrassed

Jack Uretsky wrote:

> Hi all-
>         Remedial math is no remedy.  The problem, as someone has already
> intimated, is that problem solving is reserved for a short period in the
> math curriculum entitled "word problems", hated by students and teachers
> alike.
>         Try, if you haven't already, to get hold of your elementary and
> high school textbooks and sit in on a few classes.  One way, if you're not
> in the school system, is to sign on as a substitute teacher.  I guarantee
> an eye opener.
>                         Regards,
>                                         Jack
>
>
> On Wed, 14 Sep 2005, John Denker wrote:
>
>
> > Rick Tarara wrote in part:
> >
> >
> > > ... VAST majority of intro-level students ...
> > > ... except for a gifted (or perverse) few ...
> > > ... students for which the Pythagorean Theorem is 'heavy math'
> >
> > Hmmmm.  IMHO if physics students find the Pythagorean theorem to be a burden,
> > this is a problem.  This problem cannot be solved by dumbing down the physics
> > curriculum.  The advising system should be set up to ensure that such students
cut
_______________________________________________
Phys-L mailing list
Phys-L@electron.physics.buffalo.edu
https://www.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l