Re: [Phys-L] problems with the teaching of algebra

[John Denker <jsd@av8n.com>]

On 10/11/2014 04:55 PM, Bernard Cleyet wrote:

> New teachers must pass the CBEST!

Emphasis on the "new".

The day after the test, they start forgetting.

As the proverb says:  Utility is the best mnemonic.
Conversely, folks who don't use it have no reason
to remember it.

Motivating people to learn something "because it's on
the test" is a low-down scoundrelly thing to do.  It
works on some people (group "A") and not on others
(group "B").  What is the point of washing group B
out of the program on the basis of a requirement that
has next-to-zero significance in practice?


> 2. Which of the following units would be most appropriate for
> measuring the length of a pen?
> A: Miles
> B: Meters
> C: Micrometers
> D: Centimeters 

My answer:  B.
Each of the horse pens is 5 meters long.
The hog pen is about 20 meters long.