In today’s students, I really see a lack of ability to understand math because of (for one thing) a lack of retention of math because of, in turn, a lack of memorization. Memorization is anathema to the philosophically corrupt modern intellectual, to the modern theorist of education. It, along with drill, was attacked vigorously when I was getting my Texas Teacher Credentials, and still is, as such attack is implied by a broader perspective on mind and thought: the perspective of John Dewey. (Ultimately, Dewey and the Deweyans believe, consensus creates reality, nothing abides, so why remember anything when it will become outdated? Dewey even claimed that Aristotle’s logic worked so long, it had to be wrong. So A is no longer A: things do not have a nature or identity; their apparent nature changes; things are what we as a group want them to be.)
I’d highly recommend students memorize and be drilled in, at the least, their multiplication facts, working (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing) with fractions, and the perfect squares. Students should memorize definitions and methods, as well. These facts are universal and timeless. A is A.
If knowledge is not ingrained and remembered, then it is not there to utilize and build on. What’s more, memorization and understanding reinforce each other.
Let’s not sell our children out; let’s not be comprachicos distorting their minds and souls.
In an email from a friend, I received the following list of butchered idioms, historical references, names, and sayings (sometimes the correct word, name or phrase is given after a dash or in parentheses):
In my browsings on the Web (long story) I came across this. (Long story, it’s an offshoot from http://www.livejournal.com/~bcampbell/ if you’re that interested.) I reproduce it here as it appears on the page.
Jackisms [21 Dec 2002|08:11pm]
I found this on the network at work. It was called ‘Jackisms’. I suppose jack is someone that works in whatever area that particular server was located in.
1. Between a rock and a hard roll.
2. Verennial disease.
3. LaBarrage – L’Auberge.
4. Tarantula downpour.
5. See if any other eligibilities are evolved (involved ) in this case.
6. If Cleopatra doesn’t come to Romeo.
7. Basket and Robbins.
8. A.I. – Alcoholics Anonymous.
9. Apptabit – APTAD
…
11. The plane we flew in was a 537 – Marked down from 737.?
(more…)
On the Internet there is a plethora of practice material for the math portion (and science, reading, etc.) of the TAKS test. The Texas Education Agency, TEA, has made available pdf files of some recent tests and also has a number of tests archived. This material would be good for preparing for the TAKS test and for practicing algebra and geometry.
Pearson has made available some pdf files of study guides and has some online, interactive study guides. (If those links do not work, start on the TAKS Study Guides page, then click on “Interactive Study Guides,” or click on “Printed Study Guides” followed by “Study Guide PDFs.”)
See my 2009 post “Happy Birthday, Sir Francis Bacon.”
He is one that people interested in science and mathematics should study. I’d recommend that homeschoolers have their children read some of his works, when age- and developmentally-appropriate. If someone has not learned induction, they have not learned science.
Did you tackle that trouble that came your way
With a resolute heart and cheerful?
Or hide your face from the light of day
With a craven soul and fearful?
Oh, trouble’s a ton, or trouble’s an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it.
And it isn’t the fact that you’re hurt that counts,
But only how did you take it?
You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what’s that?
Come up with a smiling face.
(more…)
See my 2009 post “Happy Birthday, Edgar Allan Poe.”
For the SAT and ACT takers, his material is good to read and study to learn about language, grammar, and style. His work is good to study for an education, in general.
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And when I am for myself, what am ‘I’? And if not now, when?”
Source: Wikipedia entry on Hillel the Elder.
Update (9:37 AM): This is a quote we should all take to heart. We should be principled and fundamentally independent in our thinking and in our pursuit of happiness, material prosperity, and life. Because life and reason are worth it. And we should take it serious now, not put it all off for some imaginary future time.
