LOLSparty: Algebra no longer required at MSU
In a move that should shock none of us, MSU has done away with requiring algebra to graduate. They claim that algebra is just too hard for their students, so they are implementing new "quantitative literacy" classes. And it's not like MSU's algebra course is rocket science. From one class's syllabus:
The topics of MTH 103 include linear & quadratic equations & inequalities, complex numbers, equations with radicals, absolute value, graphing linear and quadratic equations, transformations of graphs, polynomials, functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponentials, logarithms, and, most importantly, applications of these topics to solving problems outside of mathematics.
I do realize that math isn't for everyone (UM's calculus courses were the WORST), but come on. If you have a college degree, you're expected to able to perform simple algebra calculations. Luckily, one of MSU's leaders agrees with me:
But students aren’t likely to succeed in the new classes or in post-college life without some algebra fundamentals, said William Schmidt, director of the MSU College of Education's Center for the Study of Curriculum. “Students who come to college with real weaknesses on the formal math side may not benefit fully from the quantitative lessons,” he said. While every job doesn’t require a well-honed knowledge of advanced math, Schmidt said, learning the fundamentals is essential to problem-solving. “The logic of thinking algebraically builds ways of thinking about problems, allowing us to engage in the practical aspects of mathematics,” he said. “It’s pretty tough (to do so) without it.”
So maybe there is a small chance that eventually those quantitative literacy classes will end up resembling actual algebra. But until then, we just have to be content with "Go to school at MSU, learn to count to te-en!" being all too real.
Erm...isn't algebra a requirement for high school graduation?
I thought I was done with that stuff in 8th grade?
That class description is, essentially, high school algebra 2. I believe Alg2 was made the minimum for high school graduation in the state of Michigan in 2009 or 2010. There was some talk of rolling that back, though, and I don't remember/know if Alg2 is still the minimum grad requirement now.
Other than logarithms, this course description sounds exactly like my course. And, yes, Algebra 2 is a high school graduation requirement in Michigan.
Kind of funny looking at your avatar and reading your comment in the voice of Bender. Not sure if he cared too much about algebra!
...Algebra comes naturally to robots.
and the challenged student MSU athletes
GIMME A BREAK!
Does UM have an algebra requirement? I seem to remember having a "Quantitative Reasoning" requirement or something that pretty basic intro-level stats classes knocked out. I took a few stats courses over my time in college, but definitely never took anything in the math department.
Yeah, it's Quantitative Reasoning, or at least it was when I was in school. Statistics fulfilled it. I think an econ course might have also? Can't remember.
Though I'm not a fan of math, I enjoyed the class. That was also in addition to the math requirement which at the time was Pre-Calc. I could be wrong, but according to the class guide I looked at in school, we didn't have Algebra classes. But MSU had them at the time.
I believe very few students even get admitted without having had algebra in high school. Engineering doesn't even give credit for the 100 level algebra class that is taught by the Math dept.
The Math department doesn't teach algebra. Math 105 is Pre-Calculus (trigonometry).
I graduated from U of M with one course in Elementary Algebra -- the QR requirement. So, I hate to break it to anyone riding their high horse. . .
I remember one of you guys doing curls in front of your house to the soundtrack at born in the USA or something blaring in the background.
Legends like you don't need math
In HS and promptly forgot it. Generally not useful in life
It trains your brain to think a certain way and it helps with critical thinking in problem solving.
Exactly, we don't teach algebra so you can solve systems of equations. We teach algebra so you can use your frontal lobe later in life and not be a complete moron.
....or be so cranky!
That theory has apparently tested false or we wouldn't have so many cranky smart people on this board.
We have no use for algebra. Or any math really.
As long as the numbers "work", we're golden.
And we have computers and quants to make the numbers work
Speaking as a math and physics teacher, do you ever estimate how long it took you travel somewhere? There you did algebra.
I didnt think of that example as algebra. But point taken. I would also say there are many different ways to train the frontal lobe. I don't feel like my lack of college level algebra has made a huge difference in my life.
Algebra is the first time students are exposed to designing an algorithm to solve a problem. Geometry is when students are taught how to form a pure logical argument to prove a point. Trig combines the two. IMO, algebra and geometry are the most important classes we teach next to 3rd grade English (a key point in determining if a child will be a stronger reader).
Isn't "college level algebra" an oxymoron? Unless you are talking about Linear Algebra which is a whole different story.
Screw Linear Algebra.
a baseball outfielder does calculus just becasue his brain can automatically judge the changing arc of a fly ball well enough to run under it, catch it, and make the easy out?
Generaly, however, I agree the math courses for most people are about improving reasoning skills in ways that other courses/fields do not.
Here's my cool story bro experience:
When I was a kid, my uncles and I builta rocket. We decided that we wanted to know how high it went, so we built a device which measured the angle of the rocket from an observer when it hit its peak altitude. That way, we were able to determine how high it went and that we were pretty good aerospace engineers.
I've loved algebra, geometry, and calculus ever since. My only real regret is focusing on statistics and econometrics instead of continuing in calc during college.
In a world so dependent on science and math, it's amazing how many people rebel against essential knowledge.
Rant over.
Crap, most spreadsheets use algebra
. I use a bit geometry for DIY projects and wish I remembered more.
Now worthless math for me was calculus. Never used it after college. It was a requirement for a BBA in my day.
I use calculus routinely. I had to determine the area under a curve this week (lethality calculation).
And then I became an actuary. Now I use it all the time.
Depends on where you work, but I say 99% of jobs don't use it.
I literally use algebra everyday at work. A lot of solving for x in the sciences
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and in business.
"If my operating cost is x, and my price is y, my margin iz z". being able to build models and pull different levers is fundamental to probably every business.
linguistics major?
I only know his name isn't Pythagoras and his favorite number isn't 5
5 cm
Algebra is unbelievably useful. I probably use it more in life than anything else I learned in school past the 5th grade.
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that you probably use the skills necessary to comprehend algebraic equations all the time.
Algebra wasn't required when I graduated. Probably a good thing too, because I could never get it... And I still can't. People say they are bad at math. I'm absolutely horrible. I can't even divide fractions without getting frustrated.
I had a dream last night that MGoBlog morphed into RCMB.
That sounds more like a nightmare. Perhaps you could provide some qualitative reasoning as to why you conisder that a mere 'dream'?
Are you sure it was a dream?
I'm seriously questioning it.
Every summer this place seems to devolve a bit.
Algebra!
- but will they ever use it in the future careers?
- Yes....if they become Algebra teachers
Or if they are engineers, scientists, veterinarians, physicians, accountants, programmers, business owners, ..., I can keep going for awhile...
Doc, that's some impressive points you got there. This post made me think of something that happened at work. We had a kid vandalize a truck. On the back of the truck, there was a "4x4" emblem on it. The kid scratched "=8"
Underneath did they spraypaint Staee?