I just heard this one on the news... it's good. See if you can figure out the correct answer. THINK
What is the number that is equal to 35 and is 2X itself +7?
A. 28
B. 13
C. 20
D. 14
E. None of the above
This is a sample question from the California Teacher Licensing test. You would not believe how many get that wrong, as they apply for Math & Science teaching jobs.
Swez
Replies (23)
BgDustin4 on 01/20/2006 18:38:29
wow lol D lol i fell bad for them thats bad i got it right in like 5 sec i thought it was going to be a trick ? but hum im smart yay i can me a math teacher lol
lilschtive on 01/20/2006 21:24:49
E?
cybersailor420 on 01/21/2006 00:23:12
I would definitely say E, since the first criteria is that the number is equal to 35, which none of the options are. Sorry Dustin...
BgDustin4 on 01/21/2006 00:39:49
no no no see its D u take 14+14=28 that is the 2x itself then add 7 28+7=35 see lol i told u i can be a math teacher
Victor on 01/21/2006 05:16:29
hehehehe.. Dave, seems u got a few contestants taking the test....
swez on 01/21/2006 11:59:37
That's a good thing... at least now, we have some idea where the audience is and how to best teach them.
No wonder DVC wiring is so difficult for some of our readers. THINK
The correct answer is D.
35 - 7 = 28/2 =14
Dustin wins.. give that man a perch! GRIN
Swez
ttocs on 01/21/2006 12:27:40
It took me a min, but I did come up with D. It is a poorly worded question I think, it probably gets alot of people.
swez on 01/22/2006 13:54:07
How would you have worded it? I took it pretty much" verbatum" from the broadcast as I heard it???
Perhaps a bit confusing as I too had to break it down to a simple math problem. Most men are visual and when we see it in writing or a diagram, it just clicks. Females are more into the verbal skills and can both hear and picture things, all at once.
I guess that is a great skill for a mom who needs to cook dinner, clean the house, watch the kids, catch Oprah on TV and talk on the phone... all the same time. This would drive most men into a mental meltdown.
Swez
pigwiggle on 01/22/2006 14:03:42
Well, here’s a rant about my public school experience. I learned absolutely nothing post grammar school. The last 5 years of my k-12 schooling was a complete waste of time (education wise, of course). My folks and everyone else who paid property taxes deserve a refund.
I was bored to tears; when I wasn’t killing time in class reading junk horror novels I was playing sick or just cutting class. All subjects were scaled to the lowest denominator, which all to often was the instructor. When I think about the tens of thousands of dollars I spent learning things I should have learned in high school I want to cry.
The really frustrating part was that there was a fantastic high school in my town. I just didn’t live in the district. I knew kids that committed fraud just to attend. For a time I considered living with my grandparents so I could as well. Probably should have.
Oh, and I agree that the wording is confusing. A better wording would be;
What is the number such that 2X itself +7 is 35.
Here’s one. What is the only even prime?
swez on 01/22/2006 19:04:28
Thanks for the simplification there PW. I "two" see the same things you mentioned about the local public school system I grew up in.
It was very inadequate at prepping many of our Class of "74" for the real world and University life later. Was a 3.8 student since 9-12, but the classes were structured so that the "slower students" could pass and faster students were bored to tears. (sound familiar guys?)
The only thing I really learned in HS, was that I loved music and was very interested in the electronics field. Failed miserably in EE courses at University levels as I did not have the math and science background to catch on fast enough. Also, I was not ready to attend higher learning classes at that pace and work too. The peeps I chummed with from other (wealthy community HS's) did much better and were prepared for that level of math & sciences.
After a few years of working as a Tradesman, I had the urge to go back to college at 24 years old. I was very motivated this time. Took 12 credits per semester, worked 65-70 hours a week and studied on all my breaks etc. This time, I ate it up. Had a 3.9 for the 3 years attended and 1 incomplete.
Now, don't mean to brag here. Am trying to make a point that when we are motivated and ready to do something we are deeply interested in, even an average student can shine. I am by no means, the sharpest tool in the shed. But when motivated properly, it's amazing what a "very average guy" can attain.
Finally, education is a life long thing. It doen not stop after HS or college. I can tell by your writings (PW and many others) that we have many "very sharp" peeps in this community at CK. If we didn't get a good eduacation in the early years, we can catch up if properly motivated and hand with sharp peeps.
Swez SMILE
PS Isn't the Prime Rate growing a bit faster now. Seems the Wall Street Journal has it pegged at 7.5% at the moment. Frankly, I think the prime should be "two". Then, almost everybody can stop renting and buy a home.
ttocs on 01/23/2006 01:10:09
I two see the points.........
I agree with swez, any school is going to be what you make of it. I squeeked by high school with a 2.0 and continued that into my first 2.5 yrs of college. I dropped out after that, got two fulltime jobs and started learning that I missed school. After two years of working fulltime +, and partying more then that, I had nothing to show. I ended up wrecking my motorcycle and nearly died. It was a long summer that year as I was in a cast from my thumbs to the middle of my bicept. I realized that I was not where I wanted to be and needed to change it. I went back and worked my butt off between keeping the fulltime job to pay the medical bills(oh yea, didn't have insurance on the wreck), and studying. I ended up in the top 5% of my class and had a job waiting 4 months before I graduated. I was next to alot of people that did nothing but complain about what they were not being taught rather then learn what they were supposed to. The real lesson isn't in the books, you have to find it and teach yourself just like in real life.
I am amazed to see what I have been able to learn now that I have opened my mind. I was never good at math either, but I have taken up to calc2, and was proud to pull off a B from the hardest(but best) professor on campus. He didn't let us say calculator in class, let alone use one. But he would give as much of an effort as you would in order to help you learn. I realized very few people can easily understand high level math and the ones that do tend to rock back and forth while mumbling something about wopner is on at 2. At that point the numbers disappear and instead you use about 4 different alphabets. I did learn that if I worked the same problems over and over, I could learn it. I figured up at one point I was spending 4 hrs studying per credit hour in that class....
swez on 01/23/2006 10:03:17
You nailed it ttocs... motivation and a little righteous anger, are good engines for big changes. Good for you!
If I recall it right, the general theme is 3 hours of homework for every hour in class. That's probably a good rule of thumb for a good student. A struggling one, will need more time. A rapid learner (gifted) can get that number down to "two", with rapid reading and comprehension skills to match.
Swez
MrBrownstone on 01/23/2006 13:12:00
I thought it was worded clearly. Of course, I grew up in the midwest where you are required to PASS math...not just take it as a course.
:-)
BgDustin4 on 01/25/2006 21:57:59
lol Mr.B thats harsh
MrBrownstone on 01/25/2006 23:29:23
It's amazing, but since I've moved to California, I've never met so many ILLITERATE people in my life.
I'm not talking about typos (typographical errors) because, in a rush, we all make mistakes...especially when we don't take the proper time to review our work. However,
I had to actually explain the difference between read and red to a Cali COLLEGE graduate. Also, I had to explain THERE vs THEIR!!! Are you kidding me? I understand their vs thier (mispelling) but the concept???? Incredulidable
-George Bush
Moving right along, I firmly believe that if you try, they'll pass you in California. NO, I don't mean, if you ANSWER CORRECTLY, you just have to TRY!
Math...a simple question or 2
You have $100, a happy meal is $5.75 tax included. How much change do you have left?
A. None, I gave $104.25 to Ronald McDonald house
B. $104.25
C. $94.25
D. None of the above
Correct answer...in California
E. Do you have a calculator or 90 more fingers I can borrow.
MrBrownstone on 01/25/2006 23:53:31
Oh, and one more thing, or 2
Top Ten California Education Success of the last 100years
10. College kids save parents money by flunking the 1st semester
9. Students perfected grafiti in 3 languages
8. Average College grad is 37
7. Average college entrant is 19
6. Drop out rate slightly lower than sky-diving school
5. Geography: we're only 3500 miles from the ocean
4. Spelling bee ended when 1 student got a word right (1997)
3. 5Q + 5Q = 10Q....your welcome
2. 1/2 of 1/2 = ain't much
1. O.J. Jury finally passed math by finally learning to put 2 and 2 together (wicked burn)
#4..coincidentally, that was also the last champion too.
pigwiggle on 01/26/2006 10:34:10
As far as grammar, spelling, and all that, I'm pretty miserable. Just like some folks can't get mathematics or physics, I've always been befuddled by language. The rules and are vast and arbitrary, needing seemingly endless memorization; I just never got it. So, I can't really judge how well my high school was in those subjects.
[rant] But math, physics, chemistry; these were the subjects I should have excelled at in high school. I took them all and did fairly poorly. I remember particularly well the man who taught chemistry and physics; he openly admitted he wanted to be a physicist but couldn' pass the first of the college physics series. As a kid I was always very curious about modern physics; relativity, particle physics, quantum mechanics, the mathematical methods, and all that (read tons of pop-sci). I asked this instructor once about quantum mechanics. He told the class that no one really understood quantum mechanics but the couple of folks who created it. It was really discouraging. Now with some perspective I realize lots of folks understand QM, albeit he didn't.
There is a lot to be said for self-enterprise and initiative, but a 15-year-old kid isn't going to have it. Kids need someone to get them involved. The unionized public school monopoly has failed. I see it every day. Of the ~30 folks in my lab 7 are Americans. I compete with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Dutch, Russian, ... without exception they came out of high school bilingual and competent in calculus, and fundamental chemistry and physics.
We need to try something radical and new here ... or just dump some more money in our failing public schools. We are only spending twice, for example, what the Belgians do. Twice for half the education, what a deal.
http://www.educationnext.org/20012/67.html [/rant]
MrBrownstone on 01/26/2006 14:28:59
Math is theory. Physics is basically the word problems of math.
If he couldn't pass the first battery of college physics, that's scary.
swez on 01/26/2006 20:31:03
One thing I have noted over the years of studies, my friends and fellow workmates, we accel at things "we" are passionate about. OK, John's a dolt when it come to speeling and eglush compisition. But... give him math problems or mechanical apptitude tests, and he's off the charts.
Give Don a sketch pad and say... draw a picture of that fruit bowl on the table...he's a total wreak and so is his work. Now, put a bunch of computer parts on his bench and watch him create a masterpiece.
Last one... give Jan a phone and a call list to drum up some new potential clients. She comes back 2 hours later with a 60% booking rate. She's a natural for this position as this is what she loves to do.
Bonus round: ( am feeling generous at the moment, bare with me)
1. Electricans are lousy bookeepers, but can do complex panel wiring in their sleep
2. Accountants are great at keeping their books accurate and up to date, but put them in a sales job that requires "people skills", and they fail miserably
3. Design Engineers can be very talented and innovative on a new product they have been mulling over, but ask them how to build it in a cost effective manner and he will probably be lost
What is my point here?
We have to discover our own personal "bent" in life and chase it with gusto. The "cookie cutter" mentality of most school programs, are designed to get kids out the door ASAP. Does anyone ever stop the merry-go-round long enough to say... " Hey, this kid has some real talent for 'XYZ' projects. We need to put them on a 'fast track program' for the gifted in our 'XYZ' program." Even parents are lost when they sit down and see Johnny's report card:
Algebra II B+
Chemistry A-
English C-
History D
Biology B-
Geometry A-
"Johnny... what is the matter with your English, History and Biology scores"?
Reply: "I am bored to death in all those classes and just cannot seem to pay attention".
Ahhhh, therein lies the clue. Johnny is obviously interested in Math & Science. He studies little here as it all just clicks for him. He's got laser vision on them and just locks in on whatever he sees, that appeals to his "bent". The other classes are of little interest and he can study til the cows come home, but still not get it !!!
That is what is wrong with our public schools and sadly, even our parents. They just don't stop long enough to figure out where a given kid is gifted or interested and funnel them in that direction. BTDT My parents had no clue as to what I was best suited for.
They put me in the wringer to try my hand at Electrical Engineering. I failed miserably. But my English Comp, Speech classes and general Science grades were well above average. I later went back to college for AE Tech classes and aced most of them. The math was hard for me to master. But, I was so motivated to be a 4.0 student, I did the hard work it took to get that goal.
Now, at 50 years of age, have figured out that Teaching others, Psychology, Electronics, Music and building things from scratch, are all skills I have developed or it just came naturally. I sucked as a Product Manager and desk jocky. But when I got out into the field as a Tech Sales/Egr., it all clicked!!!
I loved watching talented engineers as they designed a new product and was part of the consulting team. Then, we'd go to the prototype lab and build some test parts. Ahhh, it was like going to heaven when the design came out and the process steps were ironed out. "Hand me a smock, the bunny shoes and a hair net, and let's get to work" ! Finally, the last stop is the Purchasing department to hammer out a purchasing agreement and deleivery schedules. Mission accomplished!!! Orders in hand, engineers all signed off on the final drawings and the production team is humming right along. One happy camper and the General Manager is please too... here's your annual bonus and keep up the good work.
Again, this is not to brag or pat myself on the back. It is to illustrate that when we are motivated, love what we do and have enough rope to hang over the ledge a bit, wonderful things can happen. (and they often do) We just have to find our path, master it and go play it out the best we can.
Take away:
when we identify our gifts and specific "bent", we can excel at it in very short order. Give us a mundane task or a job we just hate doing, we will either fail or be miserable, if not both.
"Know thine own self"... and press it to the limits,
Swez COFFEE
MrBrownstone on 01/26/2006 22:07:07
I was really bored at feeding chickens, milking cows, shoveling the driveway, but managed to get comparable grades to my math & science scores. :-)
The whole idea that someone with B potential in all other grades, but getting low grades on history and english is more of a symptom of laziness than anything. Math, Science, those take wiring....history, english....those are basically reading and writing.
History is easy to pass. You don't have to pay attention because it's all in the book. It never changes. It was probably on the news. It is repeated countless times throughout your education career...only we go in depth more with age. How do you get low grades on something that you can read a book and take your own notes? You are Lazy!!! you could sleep through History, read the book, and still ace the course.
English...unless you are Mexican, you SPEAK ENGLISH!!!! Anyone getting a lower grade than a B should be required to move back to the grade(s) necessary to pass. No child left behind should be changed to 'No child will graduate unless they possess the ability to communicate at the 12th grade level in the official national language.' Of course, if not Spanish, at least English!!
I was bored in HS and managed to suffer through a 3.65 GPA --in my sleep, just like Johnny. I think Johnny can get Bs in all of his classes if he's managed to get Bs in the skill courses.
USFLAG
END RANT
Now, if he's getting As in English & History, but having trouble with math, bio, physics, I'd say I understand. Math & Science are skill courses. Basic math, you need it to survive, so it needs to be a priority. Bio, phy, Calc...those require hard work and a long demonstrated history of experience.
"know thine own self'.......Screw thineself, learn english or pump gas.
Mr B
MrBrownstone on 01/26/2006 22:11:38
PS (or BS if that's what this is)
The profession assumptions that Swez alluded to are so inherently correct, I've forwarded them on to all of the guidance counselors in America. We should be sending COLLEGE-bound students into programs that match their interests....which is where Swez & I agree.
My philosophy is, "just because you are not interested in something doesn't mean you can't excel in it" I HATE selling, but I'm inherently superior at it. I even checked out of the workforce to work High Voltage just because I wanted something new. Of course, I guess I'm a saleman to the bone now.
swez on 01/26/2006 23:08:36
If we hate what we do for a living and have to do that for 30+ years to make a decent living... is it really LIVING?
Reading was not a pushed subject in my HS. I did not know how poor my reading/comprehension skills actually were, until I went to college. It took me 3.5 hours of study time per hour of classroom/lab work.
When I got married, my Ex was an voracious reader and that is one gift she gave to me. With practice and my nose in 5-8 books a month of reading, those skills improved rapidly. Now, I can cover even very complex info in short order. Thank You Ex!
Lazy? Some probably are dude... but if one is motivated, likes the material and has the determination to succeed, they will do well. However, if we never push ourselves and/or have peers of a very high functioning level, that candle ain't gonna lite.
B, you are gifted with a sharp mind and a large YAP. I can spot that 'cause I got that too. (to a lesser degree) However, age, experience and close observation/introspection of our stations in life are very valuable tools too. Ever try sitting quietly in a room without the distractions of TV, radio or a puter for say 30 mins?
It's amazing where the mind can go, if we turn off all the noise and look inward for a bit. It helps me a lot. Especially when I have been running 90 MPH, down a road that is not getting me to the destination I am looking for. It allows me to slow down, unplug, hit the brakes and get out my maps.
It is a known fact that when human's are in a crisis mode, they go faster and often crash into the things they were not paying attention to. Sound familiar? I see this in many of my friends and at times, in myself as well. When we feel the need for speed... it's best to unplug and read a good book. Come back to the situation with a fresh mind and prespective, now were getting somewhere.
Swez
PS We actually agree on many things bud. It's just that you have yet to see what is really in the details. The Big Picture is a great place to start... but the "Devil's in the details". The details are what make or break a pattern for successful living VS existing.
PS Yes, you are an excellent salesman in many ways. Like it, hate it, whatever... but our attitudes are in direct proportion to our eventual cruising altitude. It is very hard to soar like an Eagle, when we surround ourselves with a bunch of Turkeys. LOL We all know this to be true right?
pigwiggle on 01/27/2006 11:43:05
"The whole idea that someone with B potential in all other grades, but getting low grades on history and english is more of a symptom of laziness than anything."
I disagree. Folks don't learn grammar and spelling by marinating in spoken English; written and spoken grammar are quite disparate, and of course one can't learn spelling through spoken English. History, grammar and spelling, biology; these are all things that take rote memorization. Unfortunately I have a deficient memory; once in high school I forgot my locker combination in the middle of the year, ... or did I?
I wanted to be a botanist, but I couldn't hack the memorization needed for introductory biology, so instead I became a theoretical physical chemist. I'm not lazy, just fundamentally deficient where it counts for some things, history and all that. Some folks need a calculator; I need my spelling and grammar check. I regularly publish, and the manuscript review process is a nightmare. Believe me, if I could just put in the time and change it I would.
What is the number that is equal to 35 and is 2X itself +7?
A. 28
B. 13
C. 20
D. 14
E. None of the above
This is a sample question from the California Teacher Licensing test. You would not believe how many get that wrong, as they apply for Math & Science teaching jobs.
Swez
Replies (23)
BgDustin4 on 01/20/2006 18:38:29
wow lol D lol i fell bad for them thats bad i got it right in like 5 sec i thought it was going to be a trick ? but hum im smart yay i can me a math teacher lol
lilschtive on 01/20/2006 21:24:49
E?
cybersailor420 on 01/21/2006 00:23:12
I would definitely say E, since the first criteria is that the number is equal to 35, which none of the options are. Sorry Dustin...
BgDustin4 on 01/21/2006 00:39:49
no no no see its D u take 14+14=28 that is the 2x itself then add 7 28+7=35 see lol i told u i can be a math teacher
Victor on 01/21/2006 05:16:29
hehehehe.. Dave, seems u got a few contestants taking the test....
swez on 01/21/2006 11:59:37
That's a good thing... at least now, we have some idea where the audience is and how to best teach them.
No wonder DVC wiring is so difficult for some of our readers. THINK
The correct answer is D.
35 - 7 = 28/2 =14
Dustin wins.. give that man a perch! GRIN
Swez
ttocs on 01/21/2006 12:27:40
It took me a min, but I did come up with D. It is a poorly worded question I think, it probably gets alot of people.
swez on 01/22/2006 13:54:07
How would you have worded it? I took it pretty much" verbatum" from the broadcast as I heard it???
Perhaps a bit confusing as I too had to break it down to a simple math problem. Most men are visual and when we see it in writing or a diagram, it just clicks. Females are more into the verbal skills and can both hear and picture things, all at once.
I guess that is a great skill for a mom who needs to cook dinner, clean the house, watch the kids, catch Oprah on TV and talk on the phone... all the same time. This would drive most men into a mental meltdown.
Swez
pigwiggle on 01/22/2006 14:03:42
Well, here’s a rant about my public school experience. I learned absolutely nothing post grammar school. The last 5 years of my k-12 schooling was a complete waste of time (education wise, of course). My folks and everyone else who paid property taxes deserve a refund.
I was bored to tears; when I wasn’t killing time in class reading junk horror novels I was playing sick or just cutting class. All subjects were scaled to the lowest denominator, which all to often was the instructor. When I think about the tens of thousands of dollars I spent learning things I should have learned in high school I want to cry.
The really frustrating part was that there was a fantastic high school in my town. I just didn’t live in the district. I knew kids that committed fraud just to attend. For a time I considered living with my grandparents so I could as well. Probably should have.
Oh, and I agree that the wording is confusing. A better wording would be;
What is the number such that 2X itself +7 is 35.
Here’s one. What is the only even prime?
swez on 01/22/2006 19:04:28
Thanks for the simplification there PW. I "two" see the same things you mentioned about the local public school system I grew up in.
It was very inadequate at prepping many of our Class of "74" for the real world and University life later. Was a 3.8 student since 9-12, but the classes were structured so that the "slower students" could pass and faster students were bored to tears. (sound familiar guys?)
The only thing I really learned in HS, was that I loved music and was very interested in the electronics field. Failed miserably in EE courses at University levels as I did not have the math and science background to catch on fast enough. Also, I was not ready to attend higher learning classes at that pace and work too. The peeps I chummed with from other (wealthy community HS's) did much better and were prepared for that level of math & sciences.
After a few years of working as a Tradesman, I had the urge to go back to college at 24 years old. I was very motivated this time. Took 12 credits per semester, worked 65-70 hours a week and studied on all my breaks etc. This time, I ate it up. Had a 3.9 for the 3 years attended and 1 incomplete.
Now, don't mean to brag here. Am trying to make a point that when we are motivated and ready to do something we are deeply interested in, even an average student can shine. I am by no means, the sharpest tool in the shed. But when motivated properly, it's amazing what a "very average guy" can attain.
Finally, education is a life long thing. It doen not stop after HS or college. I can tell by your writings (PW and many others) that we have many "very sharp" peeps in this community at CK. If we didn't get a good eduacation in the early years, we can catch up if properly motivated and hand with sharp peeps.
Swez SMILE
PS Isn't the Prime Rate growing a bit faster now. Seems the Wall Street Journal has it pegged at 7.5% at the moment. Frankly, I think the prime should be "two". Then, almost everybody can stop renting and buy a home.
ttocs on 01/23/2006 01:10:09
I two see the points.........
I agree with swez, any school is going to be what you make of it. I squeeked by high school with a 2.0 and continued that into my first 2.5 yrs of college. I dropped out after that, got two fulltime jobs and started learning that I missed school. After two years of working fulltime +, and partying more then that, I had nothing to show. I ended up wrecking my motorcycle and nearly died. It was a long summer that year as I was in a cast from my thumbs to the middle of my bicept. I realized that I was not where I wanted to be and needed to change it. I went back and worked my butt off between keeping the fulltime job to pay the medical bills(oh yea, didn't have insurance on the wreck), and studying. I ended up in the top 5% of my class and had a job waiting 4 months before I graduated. I was next to alot of people that did nothing but complain about what they were not being taught rather then learn what they were supposed to. The real lesson isn't in the books, you have to find it and teach yourself just like in real life.
I am amazed to see what I have been able to learn now that I have opened my mind. I was never good at math either, but I have taken up to calc2, and was proud to pull off a B from the hardest(but best) professor on campus. He didn't let us say calculator in class, let alone use one. But he would give as much of an effort as you would in order to help you learn. I realized very few people can easily understand high level math and the ones that do tend to rock back and forth while mumbling something about wopner is on at 2. At that point the numbers disappear and instead you use about 4 different alphabets. I did learn that if I worked the same problems over and over, I could learn it. I figured up at one point I was spending 4 hrs studying per credit hour in that class....
swez on 01/23/2006 10:03:17
You nailed it ttocs... motivation and a little righteous anger, are good engines for big changes. Good for you!
If I recall it right, the general theme is 3 hours of homework for every hour in class. That's probably a good rule of thumb for a good student. A struggling one, will need more time. A rapid learner (gifted) can get that number down to "two", with rapid reading and comprehension skills to match.
Swez
MrBrownstone on 01/23/2006 13:12:00
I thought it was worded clearly. Of course, I grew up in the midwest where you are required to PASS math...not just take it as a course.
:-)
BgDustin4 on 01/25/2006 21:57:59
lol Mr.B thats harsh
MrBrownstone on 01/25/2006 23:29:23
It's amazing, but since I've moved to California, I've never met so many ILLITERATE people in my life.
I'm not talking about typos (typographical errors) because, in a rush, we all make mistakes...especially when we don't take the proper time to review our work. However,
I had to actually explain the difference between read and red to a Cali COLLEGE graduate. Also, I had to explain THERE vs THEIR!!! Are you kidding me? I understand their vs thier (mispelling) but the concept???? Incredulidable
-George Bush
Moving right along, I firmly believe that if you try, they'll pass you in California. NO, I don't mean, if you ANSWER CORRECTLY, you just have to TRY!
Math...a simple question or 2
You have $100, a happy meal is $5.75 tax included. How much change do you have left?
A. None, I gave $104.25 to Ronald McDonald house
B. $104.25
C. $94.25
D. None of the above
Correct answer...in California
E. Do you have a calculator or 90 more fingers I can borrow.
MrBrownstone on 01/25/2006 23:53:31
Oh, and one more thing, or 2
Top Ten California Education Success of the last 100years
10. College kids save parents money by flunking the 1st semester
9. Students perfected grafiti in 3 languages
8. Average College grad is 37
7. Average college entrant is 19
6. Drop out rate slightly lower than sky-diving school
5. Geography: we're only 3500 miles from the ocean
4. Spelling bee ended when 1 student got a word right (1997)
3. 5Q + 5Q = 10Q....your welcome
2. 1/2 of 1/2 = ain't much
1. O.J. Jury finally passed math by finally learning to put 2 and 2 together (wicked burn)
#4..coincidentally, that was also the last champion too.
pigwiggle on 01/26/2006 10:34:10
As far as grammar, spelling, and all that, I'm pretty miserable. Just like some folks can't get mathematics or physics, I've always been befuddled by language. The rules and are vast and arbitrary, needing seemingly endless memorization; I just never got it. So, I can't really judge how well my high school was in those subjects.
[rant] But math, physics, chemistry; these were the subjects I should have excelled at in high school. I took them all and did fairly poorly. I remember particularly well the man who taught chemistry and physics; he openly admitted he wanted to be a physicist but couldn' pass the first of the college physics series. As a kid I was always very curious about modern physics; relativity, particle physics, quantum mechanics, the mathematical methods, and all that (read tons of pop-sci). I asked this instructor once about quantum mechanics. He told the class that no one really understood quantum mechanics but the couple of folks who created it. It was really discouraging. Now with some perspective I realize lots of folks understand QM, albeit he didn't.
There is a lot to be said for self-enterprise and initiative, but a 15-year-old kid isn't going to have it. Kids need someone to get them involved. The unionized public school monopoly has failed. I see it every day. Of the ~30 folks in my lab 7 are Americans. I compete with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Dutch, Russian, ... without exception they came out of high school bilingual and competent in calculus, and fundamental chemistry and physics.
We need to try something radical and new here ... or just dump some more money in our failing public schools. We are only spending twice, for example, what the Belgians do. Twice for half the education, what a deal.
http://www.educationnext.org/20012/67.html [/rant]
MrBrownstone on 01/26/2006 14:28:59
Math is theory. Physics is basically the word problems of math.
If he couldn't pass the first battery of college physics, that's scary.
swez on 01/26/2006 20:31:03
One thing I have noted over the years of studies, my friends and fellow workmates, we accel at things "we" are passionate about. OK, John's a dolt when it come to speeling and eglush compisition. But... give him math problems or mechanical apptitude tests, and he's off the charts.
Give Don a sketch pad and say... draw a picture of that fruit bowl on the table...he's a total wreak and so is his work. Now, put a bunch of computer parts on his bench and watch him create a masterpiece.
Last one... give Jan a phone and a call list to drum up some new potential clients. She comes back 2 hours later with a 60% booking rate. She's a natural for this position as this is what she loves to do.
Bonus round: ( am feeling generous at the moment, bare with me)
1. Electricans are lousy bookeepers, but can do complex panel wiring in their sleep
2. Accountants are great at keeping their books accurate and up to date, but put them in a sales job that requires "people skills", and they fail miserably
3. Design Engineers can be very talented and innovative on a new product they have been mulling over, but ask them how to build it in a cost effective manner and he will probably be lost
What is my point here?
We have to discover our own personal "bent" in life and chase it with gusto. The "cookie cutter" mentality of most school programs, are designed to get kids out the door ASAP. Does anyone ever stop the merry-go-round long enough to say... " Hey, this kid has some real talent for 'XYZ' projects. We need to put them on a 'fast track program' for the gifted in our 'XYZ' program." Even parents are lost when they sit down and see Johnny's report card:
Algebra II B+
Chemistry A-
English C-
History D
Biology B-
Geometry A-
"Johnny... what is the matter with your English, History and Biology scores"?
Reply: "I am bored to death in all those classes and just cannot seem to pay attention".
Ahhhh, therein lies the clue. Johnny is obviously interested in Math & Science. He studies little here as it all just clicks for him. He's got laser vision on them and just locks in on whatever he sees, that appeals to his "bent". The other classes are of little interest and he can study til the cows come home, but still not get it !!!
That is what is wrong with our public schools and sadly, even our parents. They just don't stop long enough to figure out where a given kid is gifted or interested and funnel them in that direction. BTDT My parents had no clue as to what I was best suited for.
They put me in the wringer to try my hand at Electrical Engineering. I failed miserably. But my English Comp, Speech classes and general Science grades were well above average. I later went back to college for AE Tech classes and aced most of them. The math was hard for me to master. But, I was so motivated to be a 4.0 student, I did the hard work it took to get that goal.
Now, at 50 years of age, have figured out that Teaching others, Psychology, Electronics, Music and building things from scratch, are all skills I have developed or it just came naturally. I sucked as a Product Manager and desk jocky. But when I got out into the field as a Tech Sales/Egr., it all clicked!!!
I loved watching talented engineers as they designed a new product and was part of the consulting team. Then, we'd go to the prototype lab and build some test parts. Ahhh, it was like going to heaven when the design came out and the process steps were ironed out. "Hand me a smock, the bunny shoes and a hair net, and let's get to work" ! Finally, the last stop is the Purchasing department to hammer out a purchasing agreement and deleivery schedules. Mission accomplished!!! Orders in hand, engineers all signed off on the final drawings and the production team is humming right along. One happy camper and the General Manager is please too... here's your annual bonus and keep up the good work.
Again, this is not to brag or pat myself on the back. It is to illustrate that when we are motivated, love what we do and have enough rope to hang over the ledge a bit, wonderful things can happen. (and they often do) We just have to find our path, master it and go play it out the best we can.
Take away:
when we identify our gifts and specific "bent", we can excel at it in very short order. Give us a mundane task or a job we just hate doing, we will either fail or be miserable, if not both.
"Know thine own self"... and press it to the limits,
Swez COFFEE
MrBrownstone on 01/26/2006 22:07:07
I was really bored at feeding chickens, milking cows, shoveling the driveway, but managed to get comparable grades to my math & science scores. :-)
The whole idea that someone with B potential in all other grades, but getting low grades on history and english is more of a symptom of laziness than anything. Math, Science, those take wiring....history, english....those are basically reading and writing.
History is easy to pass. You don't have to pay attention because it's all in the book. It never changes. It was probably on the news. It is repeated countless times throughout your education career...only we go in depth more with age. How do you get low grades on something that you can read a book and take your own notes? You are Lazy!!! you could sleep through History, read the book, and still ace the course.
English...unless you are Mexican, you SPEAK ENGLISH!!!! Anyone getting a lower grade than a B should be required to move back to the grade(s) necessary to pass. No child left behind should be changed to 'No child will graduate unless they possess the ability to communicate at the 12th grade level in the official national language.' Of course, if not Spanish, at least English!!
I was bored in HS and managed to suffer through a 3.65 GPA --in my sleep, just like Johnny. I think Johnny can get Bs in all of his classes if he's managed to get Bs in the skill courses.
USFLAG
END RANT
Now, if he's getting As in English & History, but having trouble with math, bio, physics, I'd say I understand. Math & Science are skill courses. Basic math, you need it to survive, so it needs to be a priority. Bio, phy, Calc...those require hard work and a long demonstrated history of experience.
"know thine own self'.......Screw thineself, learn english or pump gas.
Mr B
MrBrownstone on 01/26/2006 22:11:38
PS (or BS if that's what this is)
The profession assumptions that Swez alluded to are so inherently correct, I've forwarded them on to all of the guidance counselors in America. We should be sending COLLEGE-bound students into programs that match their interests....which is where Swez & I agree.
My philosophy is, "just because you are not interested in something doesn't mean you can't excel in it" I HATE selling, but I'm inherently superior at it. I even checked out of the workforce to work High Voltage just because I wanted something new. Of course, I guess I'm a saleman to the bone now.
swez on 01/26/2006 23:08:36
If we hate what we do for a living and have to do that for 30+ years to make a decent living... is it really LIVING?
Reading was not a pushed subject in my HS. I did not know how poor my reading/comprehension skills actually were, until I went to college. It took me 3.5 hours of study time per hour of classroom/lab work.
When I got married, my Ex was an voracious reader and that is one gift she gave to me. With practice and my nose in 5-8 books a month of reading, those skills improved rapidly. Now, I can cover even very complex info in short order. Thank You Ex!
Lazy? Some probably are dude... but if one is motivated, likes the material and has the determination to succeed, they will do well. However, if we never push ourselves and/or have peers of a very high functioning level, that candle ain't gonna lite.
B, you are gifted with a sharp mind and a large YAP. I can spot that 'cause I got that too. (to a lesser degree) However, age, experience and close observation/introspection of our stations in life are very valuable tools too. Ever try sitting quietly in a room without the distractions of TV, radio or a puter for say 30 mins?
It's amazing where the mind can go, if we turn off all the noise and look inward for a bit. It helps me a lot. Especially when I have been running 90 MPH, down a road that is not getting me to the destination I am looking for. It allows me to slow down, unplug, hit the brakes and get out my maps.
It is a known fact that when human's are in a crisis mode, they go faster and often crash into the things they were not paying attention to. Sound familiar? I see this in many of my friends and at times, in myself as well. When we feel the need for speed... it's best to unplug and read a good book. Come back to the situation with a fresh mind and prespective, now were getting somewhere.
Swez
PS We actually agree on many things bud. It's just that you have yet to see what is really in the details. The Big Picture is a great place to start... but the "Devil's in the details". The details are what make or break a pattern for successful living VS existing.
PS Yes, you are an excellent salesman in many ways. Like it, hate it, whatever... but our attitudes are in direct proportion to our eventual cruising altitude. It is very hard to soar like an Eagle, when we surround ourselves with a bunch of Turkeys. LOL We all know this to be true right?
pigwiggle on 01/27/2006 11:43:05
"The whole idea that someone with B potential in all other grades, but getting low grades on history and english is more of a symptom of laziness than anything."
I disagree. Folks don't learn grammar and spelling by marinating in spoken English; written and spoken grammar are quite disparate, and of course one can't learn spelling through spoken English. History, grammar and spelling, biology; these are all things that take rote memorization. Unfortunately I have a deficient memory; once in high school I forgot my locker combination in the middle of the year, ... or did I?
I wanted to be a botanist, but I couldn't hack the memorization needed for introductory biology, so instead I became a theoretical physical chemist. I'm not lazy, just fundamentally deficient where it counts for some things, history and all that. Some folks need a calculator; I need my spelling and grammar check. I regularly publish, and the manuscript review process is a nightmare. Believe me, if I could just put in the time and change it I would.
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