Re: [MATHEDCC] Math equals fear?

John M. Flanigan (johnf@HAWAII.EDU)
Fri, 26 Mar 1999 10:25:50 -1000

My first impulse is to write a scathing response about writers of
newspaper articles--and readers of the same--who obviously don't know
enough about their subjects. Then the impulse fades with the frustrating
realization that "there's more of them than there is of us."

I guess it's a sign of the times that math itself, rather than the failure
to prepare properly to learn math, is perceived as the problem. And it's
disturbing that so many people--including, sadly, some of my academic
colleagues--seem to have little understanding of the reasons for math
requirements.

Incidentally, I'm impressed that 42% of entering students in the LACCD
system are ready for intermediate algebra. I wish that our new students
were as well prepared!

John M. Flanigan <johnf@hawaii.edu> The equation is the final arbiter.
Assistant Professor, Mathematics --Werner Heisenberg
Kapi'olani Community College The scoreboard is the final arbiter.
4303 Diamond Head Road --Bill Walton
Honolulu HI 96816 History is the final arbiter.
(808) 734-9371 --Edward Gibbon

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