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Ms. VanWagoner - Darn it! I hate it when someone hits me with logic. This made me laugh (in a good way, I mean): "But I have to respond to those (not just Kathy) who say "I've never used algebra." My response is: of course not, you don't know it. If you know algebra you can use it." Touché! I already knew how to do all of the tasks you listed below (mixing the milk, figuring spaces in landscaping projects, developing seating charts, figuring profit) before I ever stepped foot on a college campus, so I guess maybe that's why I never felt I suffered from a lack of math skills or that I should be forced to take additional math classes in college. I grew up "in the country," as they say, and all of these tasks were just something one learned. Again, as I admitted in my last e-mail, I think I may have been applying too narrow a definition to algebra! This has been an interesting conversation. Thanks everyone. -----Original Message----- From: Open Forum for Learning Assistance Professionals [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kathryn VanWagoner Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 12:11 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Math for Liberal Arts Majors I am a math teacher and I'm split on the curriculum issue. But I have to respond to those (not just Kathy) who say "I've never used algebra." My response is: of course not, you don't know it. If you know algebra you can use it. I spent a number of years as an at-home mom and used algebra many times (and not just when I was substitute teaching). Some examples: I helped a neighbor figure out how much real whole milk to mix with powdered non-fat milk to come up with 2% milk that her family would drink (a mixture problem). I used permutations when planning the seating arrangements for a church dinner. I helped a business owner calculate profits for inventory for which he was missing purchase records. I frequently handle landscape related questions -- still. Sure, lots of people get along without algebra, but just because you don't use it, doesn't mean it isn't useful. This common argument against algebra can be used for most general education subjects. I can honestly say I have never diagramed a sentence in real life. Nor have I had to analyze poetry. I've never found a great need for critiquing art or music. I've gotten along quite well in life without a solid understanding of photosynthesis or the parts of a cell or how a star is born or methods of archeological digging. In fact, looking back, I think the most useful general education class I took was aerobics -- and skiing. We've developed a culture where being bad at math is socially acceptable. We should be trying to change that paradigm, not nurture it. I have a child who has writing anxiety that rivals any math anxiety that I've seen. Should he be encouraged in his anxiety? Or should he be taught skills to overcome it? The "math problem" is very complex and will not be simply solved by a change in curriculum. Kathryn Van Wagoner Math Lab Manager Utah Valley State College 801-863-8411 ad-van-tage n. A factor conducive to success. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To access the LRNASST-L archives or User Guide, or to change your subscription options (including subscribe/unsubscribe), point your web browser to http://www.lists.ufl.edu/archives/lrnasst-l.html To contact the LRNASST-L owner, email [log in to unmask] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To access the LRNASST-L archives or User Guide, or to change your subscription options (including subscribe/unsubscribe), point your web browser to http://www.lists.ufl.edu/archives/lrnasst-l.html To contact the LRNASST-L owner, email [log in to unmask]