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Re: [Phys-l] algebraically unwashed



Let us not forget that Piaget was studying advanced students at an exclusive
school. Later evidence shows that a large fraction of students do not grow
out the concrete operational level. At present the evidence is that 30% of
adults test at that level. And yes, it is the exposure that counts, but it
needs to be in the right context. The proper activities can raise the
level, but conventional lecture/recitation does not. For evidence see the
papers of Lawson, Renner...

John M. Clement
Houston, TX



. . . For those who are algebraically unwashed,
sometimes an example will get the point across. . . .

This made me think about the Piaget term "concrete operational." Is
this the same as "algebraically unwashed?" According to Piaget,
children outgrow this level of thinking at the age of 10 to 15. On the
other hand many never outgrow it. It is not the age that counts, it is
the kind of exposure to analytical thinking, often needed in
mathematics and physics.