Re: [MATHEDCC] L.A. Times article

Jodi Cotten (jcotten@mars.sunyjcc.edu)
Wed, 31 Mar 1999 16:59:05 -0500 (Eastern Standard Time)

I read an article once where military officers had been interviewed about the
use of the math in their jobs. All had at least Calculus I. The majority of
them said that they do not use the math they learned now, but IT TAUGHT THEM
TO THINK AND TO PROBLEM SOLVE. Wow, imagine that! :)

I have had many students, non science/math majors, tell me this exact thing.
"This class has really taught me to think!" Even students that have not
particularly enjoyed math have said this to me. Isn't there something to be
said for that? I don't look at it as "Oh, they will never use this so why
should I teach it to them", I look at it as MATHEMATICS!!!! WOW!!!!!! THIS IS
SO COOL!!!! And my response to "when am I ever going to use this?", "Maybe
never, but hasn't it made you think???????" They laugh and smile with a
little "Yes, Jodi, it has made me THINK!" THAT makes me :)

Jodi Cotten
(Off for a much needed and way to late spring break)
Jamestown Community College
Olean, New York

"Mathematics is the finest training for the mind." PLATO!!! :)

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