Re: Don't Call It "Algebra"; Call It Something Warm And Fuzzy

"toto" <scarecrow@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:vm9q7458hu8s1mc50ecv6kl07pri6c0k9e@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> On Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:53:54 -0400, "Larry Hewitt"
> <larryhewi@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>
>>And that, as you note, geometry is the "formal" math class, requiring
more
>>rigor in answering questions?
>
> Except that in many schools in order to get kids to pass geometry, the
> schools are using *informal geometry* without rigorous proofs.
>
> See:
> http://hsfs2.ortn.edu/MYSCHOOL/WJONES/infgeom.htm
>
> Informal Geometry is a standards-based, Euclidean geometry course
> which meets the criteria for the state's geometry curriculum.  The
> major difference between Informal Geometry and Geometry AB is the
> amount of formal proofs that are written in this curriculum.  There
> are more hands-on activities and more real-life geometry problems
> versus abstract problem solving.
>
> Having taught this course in a Chicago Public High School, I can tell
> you that it is not a college prep course and that while some of the
> concepts are taught, much of the course is dumbed down.  There were no
> formal proofs with statements and reasons in our course.  There were
> some informal proofs in paragraph form which in many ways was harder
> for the students to understand.  My dd called this course *geometry
> for stones* and she called Conceptual Physics (physics without math)
> *physics for trees.*
>
>
I know of no distrcit where geometry is intended to be a college prep 
course.

In my district it is the second of 3 reuried course, between the algebras.

I'll admit calling it rigorous is an overstatement. But it is the first 
class where rigor is required, at tleast tothe point of listing _all_
steps 
and explaining why you did what you did.

The first college prep class is trig, a far more rigourous course.

But even most college bound kids do not take it, witing until they reach 
college to take a :college algebra" course to cover  the basic conspts.

At my Alma Mater mor than 90% of incoming freshmen took it, just about 
everyone but he math and hard science majors and about half the comp sci 
majors.

Larry

Larry

> -- 
> Dorothy
>
> There is no sound, no cry in all the world
> that can be heard unless someone listens ..
>
> The Outer Limits