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Re: A statement on what is wrong with standard calculus
Posted:
Feb 20, 1996 11:27 PM
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Jerry and all,
Are we so sure that filters and skills are all that bad? As a middle
aged eighth grade algebra teacher recently certified, I learned the value
both of the "filter" of abstract (modern) algebra and the algebra
manipulation skills that I still lacked even though I could get through
the calc series with "Bs" at U. Missouri St. Louis. I bumped up against
the filter of abstract algebra a couple of times before oozing through,
not so much because I can't handle the abstractions as because I lacked
sufficient symbol manipulation skills and experience to be able to see
the patterns that get you to proof/solutions. I don't think I'm a very
viable candidate for a Masters in Math. At least that is how I see it
now. College math reform seems to be a few years behind the wave of
school math reform, but could be taking the same-overshoot-trajectory-aim
as did it's little brother in regard to the value of symbol manipulation
and the filter of school algebra.
Reformingly Yours, Richard W. Wilson.
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