From: Keith Stephens <Kest49@aol>
To: Teacher2Teacher Public Discussion
Date: 2000021621:02:42
Subject: Re: Re: Purpose of studying algebra

Thanks Jim
At last someone telling it how it is.  Don't get me wrong I think
there are reasons to learn some algebra but the kind of problems we
can justify it with at school are either irrelavent to the student or
easier to understand by simple argument or trial and error.
If I get this question in my classroom I usually tell the student that
I am very willinng to discuss it at length after school as the purpose
of this class is to learn algebra and not discuss the goals of
education.  That has always been the end of the topic. Let's face it
most students are only asking the question to test you or waste time,
your time
Jim if you have any other simple words of wisdom I am very much
interested in your ideas as I am teaching some kids with very low
motivation and knowledge level.  I am finding it very difficult to
find ways of getting these kids motivated at all.  We are talking 10th
graders functioning at the 7-8 grade level, with lots of family
problems and all the rest of it.
Thanks Keith

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