American Innumeracy

[BuddhaRhubarb]

You guys crack me up with your "there's only one way to speak English" nonsense. So it's maths in Britain, and math in the US (and Canada for that matter) ... is it not understandable that it's the same thing?

I personally love that there are so many different ways to say the same thing in English, it's the joy of having an imprecise language that absorbs all language systems it comes in contact with. Resistance is futile.

[Sheilbh]

A more serious problem in the US, I think, is the culturally accepted preconceived notion that math is hard and it's ok to not get it.

I agree.  It's an issue in the UK too.  I think that it's a subject, like languages, that many people have a sort-of natural ceiling on their ability.  But all too often I don't think kids are pushed to try hard because it's 'difficult' and the stuff they teach (algebra etc) isn't relevant in the 'real world'.  It's sad really.

[BuddhaRhubarb]

A more serious problem in the US, I think, is the culturally accepted preconceived notion that math is hard and it's ok to not get it.

I agree.  It's an issue in the UK too.  I think that it's a subject, like languages, that many people have a sort-of natural ceiling on their ability.  But all too often I don't think kids are pushed to try hard because it's 'difficult' and the stuff they teach (algebra etc) isn't relevant in the 'real world'.  It's sad really.

Maybe things have changed since I was in school during the paleolithic (70's 80's) but that is the problem, these "difficult" stuff is presented to students in highly artificial ways. Not in a real world context. Taking algebra and higher "maths" should be done in view of the context these things are used. ie: complex formulas regarding financials in Economics class, measurement formulae in related classes like geography or geology or something. not as an abstract class all on it's own.

[grumbler]

You guys crack me up with your "there's only one way to speak English" nonsense. So it's maths in Britain, and math in the US (and Canada for that matter) ... is it not understandable that it's the same thing?

I personally love that there are so many different ways to say the same thing in English, it's the joy of having an imprecise language that absorbs all language systems it comes in contact with. Resistance is futile.

What he said.  As Richard Feynman noted, the purpose of language is communication.  Those who try to make it a political statement are doomed to frustration.

[Ed Anger]

I reserve the right to bash Josq or other English types. Not that I cared in this thread.

ME PRAM HAS GONE ALL WOBBLY!

[Razgovory]

You guys crack me up with your "there's only one way to speak English" nonsense. So it's maths in Britain, and math in the US (and Canada for that matter) ... is it not understandable that it's the same thing?

I personally love that there are so many different ways to say the same thing in English, it's the joy of having an imprecise language that absorbs all language systems it comes in contact with. Resistance is futile.

What he said.  As Richard Feynman noted, the purpose of language is communication.  Those who try to make it a political statement are doomed to frustration.

Typical physicist crap.  People talk all the time and communicate nothing.  Clearly the purpose of a language is not to communicate.   Language is just random barking that from which we occasionally interpret as something meaningful.  If the purpose of language was to communicate people wouldn't make up so many silly languages and dialects, they'd just speak English with a flat Midwestern accent.

[DGuller]

Maybe things have changed since I was in school during the paleolithic (70's 80's) but that is the problem, these "difficult" stuff is presented to students in highly artificial ways. Not in a real world context. Taking algebra and higher "maths" should be done in view of the context these things are used. ie: complex formulas regarding financials in Economics class, measurement formulae in related classes like geography or geology or something. not as an abstract class all on it's own.

Sorry, but this is just severely misguided.  Math is abstract by nature, the biggest application of math is abstract thinking.  Math is not just a collection of formulas, it's a way of thinking. 

Besides, you need a solid grounding in math to use applied math properly and confidently.  The saying that "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" is highly applicable to math.

[CountDeMoney]

I reserve the right to bash Josq or other English types. Not that I cared in this thread.

ME PRAM HAS GONE ALL WOBBLY!

No shit.  The English doeseurve to be mocked four their English.

[Eddie Teach]

If the purpose of language was to communicate people wouldn't make up so many silly languages and dialects, they'd just speak English with a flat Midwestern accent.

QFMFT

USA! 

[Admiral Yi]

*Only 1 in 5 could reliably calculate mortgage interest.

I'm surprised even 1 in 5 could do that.  That's not an easy calculation.

[crazy canuck]

I am ever so thankful that both my boys enjoy doing math.  I am also ever so thankful that they are good at it so I dont have to help them with their homework.

[Razgovory]

I am ever so thankful that both my boys enjoy doing math.  I am also ever so thankful that they are good at it so I dont have to help them with their homework.

If you want to have grandchildren you should try get them different interests.

[crazy canuck]

I am ever so thankful that both my boys enjoy doing math.  I am also ever so thankful that they are good at it so I dont have to help them with their homework.

If you want to have grandchildren you should try get them different interests.

Why?  Nothing beats smart, handsome and athletic  (not to mention tall and can cook).

[DGuller]

I am ever so thankful that both my boys enjoy doing math.  I am also ever so thankful that they are good at it so I dont have to help them with their homework.

If you want to have grandchildren you should try get them different interests.

Fuck you.

[Richard Hakluyt]

Basic maths is so straightforward, the application of a few simple rules.............it is baffling why people seem to find it so difficult.