Heart: I don't get this!! Mom: Santa Claus is still watching you! Heart: He should give special dispensation to kids who have to do math word problems.
word math problems are hard..i think its easier if it was in number form..either way i usued to have teh same reaction as poor heart in doing any kind of homework!!
I was the opposite - the word problems helped me see that there was actually a practical application for math, rather than just a bunch of useless numbers on a page.
When I was first learning “arithmetic” the school suddenly switched to “the new math.” I was confused for years. In college, I had an algebra teacher who made things easier. He used to say “It’s got to be” and I realized he was right. There is only one answer, it’s “got to be….”
Her reaction is realistic. My son is like that. In fourth grade, they’re doing algebra, learning to write checks, etc. I didn’t do any of that until high school!
I always thought word problems were more about anlytical thinking than about math. At the beginning you need someone there as a guide and that doesn’t happen too often.
Word problems take longer, because you have to figure out what to do with the numbers. But I agree with ewennick, they are helpful to show how math is needed for “the real world.”
Word problems are OK if the focus on the math and don’t try to have a plot or moral. Some of today’s textbooks have way too much writing and not enough math.
R.Khalife over 15 years ago
word math problems are hard..i think its easier if it was in number form..either way i usued to have teh same reaction as poor heart in doing any kind of homework!!
ewennick over 15 years ago
I was the opposite - the word problems helped me see that there was actually a practical application for math, rather than just a bunch of useless numbers on a page.
tigernest1 over 15 years ago
When I was first learning “arithmetic” the school suddenly switched to “the new math.” I was confused for years. In college, I had an algebra teacher who made things easier. He used to say “It’s got to be” and I realized he was right. There is only one answer, it’s “got to be….”
ambellybutton over 15 years ago
Her reaction is realistic. My son is like that. In fourth grade, they’re doing algebra, learning to write checks, etc. I didn’t do any of that until high school!
James7344 over 15 years ago
She should walk over to Foxtrot and talk to Paige.
cadgyod over 15 years ago
I always thought word problems were more about anlytical thinking than about math. At the beginning you need someone there as a guide and that doesn’t happen too often.
Smiley Rmom over 15 years ago
Word problems take longer, because you have to figure out what to do with the numbers. But I agree with ewennick, they are helpful to show how math is needed for “the real world.”
m_ortal over 15 years ago
Word problems are OK if the focus on the math and don’t try to have a plot or moral. Some of today’s textbooks have way too much writing and not enough math.
i_am_the_jam over 15 years ago
Pathetic American…. :D :D :D
Decepticomic about 3 years ago
Math is for losers.